Doubling the line and preparing for a night battle

The intended concentration placed two British ships against each engaged French ship and three against L'Orient. Nelson ordered springs on anchor cables: extra ropes that let crews swing an anchored ship to aim its broadside. Four horizontal lights at the mizzen masthead and an illuminated white ensign identified British ships after dark. White reduced the risk of confusing a red or blue ensign with the French tricolor in poor light. These orders provide an early written example of deliberate night-fighting and friendly-fire precautions. The plan remained dangerous because maneuver by the unengaged French rear could have disrupted the British concentration.