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After three hours of intense fighting at the battle of Copenhagen, Danish resistance began to slacken. By half past two, most of the fighting had stopped, but there was still some intermittent resistance. Unwilling to inflict unnecessary destruction on the danes, he had sent a letter to Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, in the hope of ending the fighting. After sending the letter, the British position had worsened. Danish gun batteries were still firing, and Nelson had considered withdrawing. However, the Danish position was worse, and at three in the afternoon an emisary arrived from the Crown Prince announcing a truce and asking why Nelson had sent his first letter. This note was Nelson's response. It achieved its objective, resulting in an end to the fighting.
Lord Nelson's object in sending the Flag of Truce was humanity; he therefore consents that hostilities shall cease, and that the wounded Danes may be taken on shore. And Lord Nelson will take his prisoners out of the Vessels, and burn and carry off his prizes as he shall see fit.
Lord Nelson, with humble duty to His Royal Highness the Prince of Denmark, will consider this the greatest victory he has ever gained, if it may be the cause of a happy reconciliation and union between his own most gracious Soveriegn, and His Majesty the King of Denmark.