There is a wonderful book by John Masefield, the poet, who served before the mast when young - called "Sea Life in Nelson's Time". It was read voraciously by the young C.S. Forester, who drew on it extensively for his "Hornblower" books. If you're interested in the Navy of Nelson's time and get the chance to read it, then do so.

Like many another over the centuries - Nelson's seamen were heroes in wartime, often forgotten and sometimes reviled in peacetime.