After the Nile, Nelson's Neapolitan politics and Malta campaign still showed the same tendency to go from zero to one hundred. Promotion to vice admiral in January 1801 coincided with a gradual growth in patience, although he could still outrun the French, reverse course, and miss them during pursuit. At Copenhagen and later in the Trafalgar campaign, destruction of the enemy remained his organizing aim. He repeatedly used fleets in ways that theory suggested were too risky, yet his judgment and ability to carry people with him turned gambles into victories. The later career shows development rather than a replacement of the aggressive instincts visible from his youth.
Chapter · 55:43-57:51
Maturity added patience without removing Nelson's appetite for risk
From the Nile to Trafalgar, Nelson became more patient while continuing to accept high-risk actions that delivered the victories Britain needed.