Lord Horatio Nelson was in command of the Mediterranean fleet. He blockaded the French fleet at Toulon for more than a year until it slipped out. Nelson chased it to the West Indies and back, laid siege to it and the allied Spanish fleet in the harbor of Cádiz, and finally brought them both to bay off Cape Trafalgar on Oct. 21, 1805.

From his ship, the Victory, he flew the signal that has ever since been Britain's watchword: "England expects that every man will do his duty." Nelson's tactics shattered the enemy fleet. While the battle still raged Nelson fell mortally wounded. His flag captain, Thomas Hardy, carried him below deck. His last words were, "Now I am satisfied. Thank God, I have done my duty." He died on Oct. 21, 1805.

His body was transported to Gibralter where it was placed in a 55 gallon barrel of rum to preserve it for the trip back to England. Hence the term, Lord Nelsons Blood for rum.