The "England expects" signal which came about because the signal that Nelson intended to send was "Nelson confides" would require two hoists was sent to "amuse the fleet" which at the time was outnumbered and sailing towards the enemy fleet in light winds in such a manner that the leading ships of the two columns of British ships (Nelson's "Victory" and Collingwood's "Royal Sovereign") would come under heavy and sustained fire for some time before they could return fire and engage the enemy. The signal was intended to "waste time", to distract the attention of those who knew full well what was about to happen and take their minds off dwelling on it. The "England expects" was not Nelson's final signal before battle was joined - as it was pulled down Nelson ordered the signal he always flew prior to battle that was the standard hoist for "Close engagement".