Nelson's Pillar - 46th anniversary

pedroeibar1 wrote: »

It is impossible to take any of your posts seriously when you write unsourced drivel like the foregoing.

There is no evidence that the Navy was rampant with sodomy or gang rape. Sodomy was a hanging offense, under Article 28 of the Articles of War, the ‘rule book’ for life afloat. It was disliked by the men (a hanging brought disgrace on their ship) and with no privacy on a ship it was impossible. Where are your sources?

There is no evidence that Nelson was bisexual. Where are your sources?

Corporal punishment was the norm at the time and was not confined to the Navy.

Contrary to popular belief impressment was uncommon in Britain and there was a very long list of those exempt from impressment. It was almost unknown in Ireland. At the time of the Napoleonic wars about 95% of the Navy were volunteers, the 5% being criminals chosing the Navy over prison and impressed men. You might also consider that there was no conscription at that time, which in itself is impressment by another name.

Nelson was idolised by both his officers and men, and by the British people. Read contemporary accounts of his funeral. Where are your sources to the contrary?

You should read the three Quota Acts of the late 1700’s - you will note that Ireland was excluded. Best estimates arising from those Acts and other figures show that about 3% of the RN sailors were Irish. Despite rumours that the Navy was being filled with thousands of Irish rebels after the Insurrection Act of 1796, the best authorities have shown that a total of 115 men from both the United Irishmen and the Defenders were sent to the Navy between 1795 – 1797. If you want to prate about Nelson or the Royal Navy you should first read 'The Command of the Ocean' by N.A.M. Rodger which is generally acknowledged at THE book on the RN in the period 1649-1815.