Part of this slaughter might have been spared.

The commanding officer of the troops on board one of our ships asked where his men should be stationed?
He was told that they could be of no use! that they were not near enough for musketry, and were not wanted at the guns; they had, therefore, better go below.

This, he said, was impossible; it would be a disgrace that could never be wiped away.

They were, therefore, drawn up upon the gangway, to satisfy this cruel point of honour; and there, without the possibility of annoying the enemy, they were mowed down! The loss of the Danes, including prisoners, amounted to about six thousand.

The negotiations, meantime, went on; and it was agreed that Nelson should have an interview with the prince the following day.