Parker's recall signal as command protection

Parker's recall signal gave Nelson room to continue the attack or withdraw without blame. Parker reportedly told his flag captain that Nelson could disregard the recall if the action remained viable and use it as an excuse to retreat if conditions had turned against him. The protection mattered under the punitive Articles of War and the precedent of Admiral John Byng. Nelson's decision illustrates initiative inside a command arrangement designed to manage tactical uncertainty and institutional risk.