Admiral Hyde Parker held overall command in 1801 because Nelson's conduct around Lady Hamilton had weakened confidence in him. Parker's signal may have been intended to give Nelson discretion to withdraw if the battle turned against him. Nelson put a telescope to his blind eye and continued the attack, creating the battle's best-known anecdote. British ships then forced the harbour and captured Danish vessels, setting a precedent that made Denmark's renewed exposure in 1807 more striking.
Notable Point · 3:21-4:10
Parker's signal and Nelson's blind eye
The blind-eye episode explains how Nelson could continue the 1801 attack after Admiral Hyde Parker signalled from the supporting force.