Horatio Nelson's first captain was William Locker who recognised the exceptional talents of the young midshipman who was to become the most famous sailor in history. Thirty-seven years later Admiral Lord Nelson wrote to Locker 'I have been your scholar; it was you who taught me to board a Frenchman by your conductÉ It is you who always taught me to lay a Frenchman close and you will beat him. My only merit in my profession is being a good scholar'. Captain William Locker's career as a Sea Captain fighting the King's enemies on the high seas makes gripping reading and high drama.