God forbid that I should destroy an unresisting Dane! When they become my prisoners, I become their protector." This letter was written in terms of great asperity to the Danish commander.

Lindholm replied in a manner every way honourable to himself.
He vindicated the commodore in some points, and excused him in others; reminding Nelson that every commander-in-chief was liable to receive incorrect reports.

With a natural desire to represent the action in the most favourable light to Denmark, he took into the comparative strength of the two parties the ships which were aground, and which could not get into action; and omitted the Trekroner and the batteries upon Amak Island.

He disclaimed all idea of claiming as a victory, "what, to every intent and purpose," said he, "was a defeat--but not an inglorious one.
As to your lordship's motive for sending a flag of truce, it never can be misconstrued and your subsequent conduct has sufficiently shown that humanity is always the companion of true valour.

You have done more: you have shown yourself a friend to the re-establishment of peace and good harmony between this country and Great Britain.