“The coasting trade carried on by Denmark along all such parts of her coast as are included in the operation of this armistice, shall be unmolested by any British ships or vessels whatever, and instructions given accordingly by Admiral Sir Hyde Parker.

     “ARTICLE VII.

“This armistice is to continue, uninterrupted by the contracting parties, for the space of fourteen weeks from the signature hereof; at the expiration of which time, it shall be in the power of either of the said parties to declare a cessation of the same, and to recommence hostilities, upon giving fourteen days previous notice.

“The conditions of this armistice are, upon all occasions, to be explained in the most liberal and loyal manner, so as to remove all ground for farther dispute, and facilitate the means of bringing about the restoration of harmony and good understanding between the two kingdoms.

     “In faith whereof, we, the undersigned commissioners, in virtue of
     our full powers, have signed the present armistice, and have
     affixed to it the seal of our arms.

    “Done on board his Britannic Majesty’s ship the London, in Copenhagen
     Roads, April 9, 1801.

    “Nelson and Bronte. 
    “William Stewart. 
    “Ernest Frederic Walterstorff. 
    “Hans Lindholm.

     “In pursuance of my abovementioned authority, I ratify this document
     with my hand—­

    “Frederic.

    “Ratified by me—­

    “Hyde Parker, Admiral and Commander in Chief of his Britannic
    Majesty’s Fleet.”

The Danes had great reason to be satisfied with the liberality of this armistice; the conditions of which certainly were, on our part, most strictly performed.  It will appear that, on the part of Denmark, this was not precisely the case.  Lord Nelson’s conduct, however, at once firm and conciliating, procured justice to his country without again resorting to arms.  The first blow had been struck by Denmark, and she had suffered for her rashness and temerity.  Even in passing the Sound, her guns evinced the disposition, but happily possessed not the power, to injure the British fleet.  A very heavy fire was kept up by the Danes, but none of our ships received a shot.  In the mean time, we had several bomb-ships firing on the town of Elsineur, the shells from which killed upwards of a hundred and fifty people on shore.  At Copenhagen, still more confident in their strength, they had made every arrangement for the destruction of our fleet, but no preparation for the defeat of their own.  Shielded by nature with dangerous shoals, and fortified by art with powerful batteries, they seemed rather to invite, than to dread, any hostile attack.  They reflected not, that the hero coming against them was no less expert as a navigator than as a warrior, and scarcely more a seaman than a soldier.