They wished to have it established that their corps was not subject to the captain's authority.

The same pretensions were made in the Channel fleet about the same time, and the artillery rested their claims to separate and independent authority on board, upon a clause in the act, which they interpreted in their favour.

Nelson took up the subject with all the earnestness which its importance deserved.

"There is no real happiness in this world," said he, writing to Earl St.Vincent, as first lord.
"With all content and smiles around me, up start these artillery boys (I understand they are not beyond that age), and set us at defiance; speaking in the most disrespectful manner of the navy and its commanders.

I know you, my dear lord, so well, that with your quickness the matter would have been settled, and perhaps some of them been broke.
I am perhaps more patient, but I do assure you not less resolved, if my plan of conciliation is not attended to.