In the Shadow of Nelson: The Naval Leadership of Admiral Sir Charles Cotton, 1753-1812

(Hardback)

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Sir Charles Cotton served in the Royal Navy from 1772 to 1812. Unfortunately timing precluded his presence at Trafalgar, but he participated in other pivotal battles, including The Saintes and "The Glorious First of June". His career culminated with command of a squadron based off Lisbon, Portugal, followed by commands of the prestigious Mediterranean and Channel Fleets. Each of these commands notably influenced the Peninsula War. This study helps to answer one of the most frequently asked questions about this era: how did British naval power contribute to the defeat of Napoleon Krajeski expands conentional thinking about the Royal Navy's leadership and accomplishments during this period. Cotton belongs to the most storied generation of naval commanders in British history. They first served during the American Revolution, participating in numerous combined operations and naval engagements along the North American coast, in the Caribbean and elsewhere. The experience that they gained between 1775 and 1783 figured prominently upon the resumption of war against France in 1793. As a captain in the Channel Fleet, Cotton fought at the Battle of "The Glorious First of June" in 1794 and actively blockaded the French Atlantic ports; as an admiral between 1797 and 1806, he focused primarily on the blockade of Brest. In 1808 he achieved a modest measure of contemporary fame as commander of a squadron that supported Sir Arthur Wellesley's campaign in Portugal. Cotton subsequently influenced the Peninsula War as commander of the Mediterranean and Channel Fleet. He died while in command of the Channel Fleet.

Reviews

.,."Krajeski's fine study goes far beyond the old-fashioned hagiograpies accorded to many of his contemporaries...the book is thoroughly researched, and provides particular insight into the porofessional dynamics of Cotton's career, raising questions about his merit and his courage."-The Journal of Military History
...Krajeski's fine study goes far beyond the old-fashioned hagiograpies accorded to many of his contemporaries...the book is thoroughly researched, and provides particular insight into the porofessional dynamics of Cotton's career, raising questions about his merit and his courage.-The Journal of Military History
In this volume Paul Krajeski has had to confront the divergence between Cotton's service record and his historical anonymity. His efforts shed valuable light on myriad subjects, among them the interplay between Admiralty and station chief in a vexed and volatile situation such as Cotton encountered in the Tagus and, refreshingly, the equally perplexed matter of overseas fleet logistics in the age of sail...solid and informative...Krajeski has produced a valuable study of the means by which British naval and military policy was carried out, especially in the post-Trafalgar era...-The Northern Mariner
Recommended...for extensive naval history collections.-Choice
..."Krajeski's fine study goes far beyond the old-fashioned hagiograpies accorded to many of his contemporaries...the book is thoroughly researched, and provides particular insight into the porofessional dynamics of Cotton's career, raising questions about his merit and his courage."-The Journal of Military History
"Recommended...for extensive naval history collections."-Choice
"In this volume Paul Krajeski has had to confront the divergence between Cotton's service record and his historical anonymity. His efforts shed valuable light on myriad subjects, among them the interplay between Admiralty and station chief in a vexed and volatile situation such as Cotton encountered in the Tagus and, refreshingly, the equally perplexed matter of overseas fleet logistics in the age of sail...solid and informative...Krajeski has produced a valuable study of the means by which British naval and military policy was carried out, especially in the post-Trafalgar era..."-The Northern Mariner

Author Bio

PAUL C. KRAJESKI currently serves in an infantry battalion in Tennessee./e He has taught in the Department of History at West Point.