two o'clock
As for Roller , he pulled alongside of the Foudroyant just as the bells of the fleet were striking eight , or midnight . Nelson was still up , writing in his cabin . The despatch was delivered , and then the secretary of the admiral and a clerk or two were called from their berths , for nothing lagged that this active-minded man had in charge . Orders were written , copied , signed , and sent to different ships by two o'clock , that the morning breeze might not be lost ; and not till then did the employés think of rest . Roller left the flag-ship at two , having eaten a hearty supper in Nelson 's own cabin , and repaired on board the Terpsichore , a smart little frigate of thirty-two guns , twelve pounders , with instructions to her captain to receive him . Two hours later this ship , in company with another still smaller , the Ringdove , 18 , left her anchorage , under a cloud of canvas , and stood down the bay , carrying studding-sails on both sides , with a light wind at northwest , heading toward Capri . `` Speak to the business , Master Secretary : Why are we met in council ? ''