1801.
Occurrences at Gibraltar.--Determination of Sir James to attack
the combined squadron.--Caesar rehoists the Admiral's flag.--Sir
J. Brenton's description of that interesting scene.--His
account of the battle.--Destruction of two Spanish
three-deckers.--Capture of the St. Antonio.--Action between the
Venerable and Formidable.--Public letters.--Private
letters.--French details of the battle.--Spanish ditto.--Orders
of sailing.--Remarks.
General O'Hara the gallant governor, and the brave garrison of
Gibraltar, had beheld from the Rock, which is only four miles from
Algeziras, the long-contested, severe, but unfortunate conflict of the
6th of July. They had witnessed the bravery of their countrymen. Their
intense anxiety for the success of the Admiral's daring attack had
been changed into sympathy for the loss his squadron had sustained;
and, fully convinced that not only no honour had been sacrificed, but
that the character of the nation had been gloriously maintained, the
unsuccessful were received at the Rock, as if they had returned from a
victory. The garrison beheld with admiration the wonderful efforts
which were made to meet a still more formidable foe. Every day marked
the progress of the Herculean labours in preparation for that event;
the exertions, zeal, and intrepidity of Sir James's officers and crews
increased in proportion to the multiplied force of the enemy, which,
to men of any other cast, would have appeared overwhelming!
After one of the severest engagements on record, the British squadron,
in the short space of five days, had repaired its damages, and sought
the enemy, whose force had been nearly tripled by the junction of six
ships and three frigates from Cadiz. With such men, and in such a
cause, victory seemed certain, notwithstanding the great disparity of
force between the belligerents, and the exertions of the enemy proved,
that he expected a tremendous struggle. Every circumstance contributed
to render the approaching contest more eventful. Their late
unsuccessful attack only served to animate the officers and crews with
a noble enthusiasm, and a desire to put their valour to another but a
fairer trial; and they well knew that their Admiral would lead them to
the combat with that consummate skill, and deliberate courage which
had so justly rendered his name illustrious.
At length the moment arrived. The enemy, whose force almost tripled
that of the English, were seen under sail; the wind was fair, and the
weather fine. The Caesar, having rehoisted the Admiral's flag, made the
signal to prepare for battle!
For a description of the intensely interesting and animating scene
which followed, we gladly avail ourselves of a communication kindly
made to us by Sir Jahleel Brenton, the gallant captain of the Caesar on
that memorable occasion.
"12th July 1801.--At daylight the enemy were seen making every
preparation for sailing; and in the course of the forenoon were
getting under way, and working out of the bay with a fresh wind from
the eastward. As they required to make several tacks for this purpose,
it was past one o'clock before the headmost ships could clear Cabrita
Point, when they brought to, to wait for the others to join them.
"At half-past two the Caesar hauled out of the Mole, her band playing
"Cheer up my lads, 'tis to glory we steer!" which was answered by the
military band on the Mole-head with "Britons, strike home!" At the
same moment the Admiral's flag was rehoisted on board the Caesar; and
sail being made upon her, she weighed amidst the deafening cheers and
acclamations of the garrison, and the whole assembled population,
carrying with her the sincerest and most ardent wishes for victory.
"She took her station off Europa Point, with the signals for her
little squadron to close round her, and to prepare for battle.[38] We
then returned the salute which had been fired by the garrison on
entering the bay on the 6th; and which, in consequence of being
immediately engaged with the enemy, we could not do at the time. It
was delightful during this and the preceding days to witness the calm,
but decided manner of the admiral. He had evidently calculated the
awful responsibility under which he was placed; and this, at the same
time, was self-imposed; for it was by no means incumbent on him as a
duty, with only five sail of the line, viz. the Caesar, Superb,
Spencer, Venerable, and Audacious, to attack an enemy with six fresh
ships, of which number two mounted one hundred and twelve guns each,
one of ninety, and three of seventy-four, in addition to the three
French ships we had already engaged, and their prize, the Hannibal.
But our chief had counted the cost, and made up his mind to the
enterprise. His intention was to throw his whole force upon whatever
part of the enemy's line he might be able to reach; depending upon the
talents of his captains, and the discipline of his ships, to make up
for the disparity of force, especially in a night action.
[38] While off Europa point, and probably at the distance of
more than half a mile, a boat with two men was observed
pulling towards us, and, on coming alongside, the men proved
to be two of our own people, who had been wounded in the
action of Algeziras, and sent to the hospital at Gibraltar. On
seeing the ship under sail, with the evident intention of
attacking the enemy, these gallant fellows asked permission of
the surgeon to rejoin their ship, and being refused, on
account of their apparent unfitness, they made their escape
from the hospital, and taking possession of the first boat
they could find, pulled off to the ship.
Two other seamen belonging to the Pompee, who had not been
selected as part of the reinforcement to the crews of the other
ships, secreted themselves on board the Caesar, and the day after
the action presented themselves on the quarter-deck, with a
request that intercession might be made for them with their
captain, telling their story in the following quaint
manner:--"Sir, we belongs to the Le Pompee, and finding our ship
could not get out, we stowed ourselves away in this ship, and,
in the action, quartered ourselves to the "10th gun, and
opposite ---- on the lower deck," referring, at the same time, to
the officer in command of this division of guns, for the truth
of their statement.
"The squadron was soon assembled off Europa, and we beheld that of the
enemy forming their line off Cabrita, about five miles to leeward,
waiting for the Hannibal, which was the last ship to leave Algeziras.
Sir James now made the interrogatory signal to know if all the ships
were ready for battle, which was most properly answered in the
negative, as all had much to do. The time which the combined squadron
took to get into the order of battle and sailing was invaluable to all
of us, by enabling us to complete the arrangements so necessary upon
so momentous an occasion. At length, every ship having announced her
readiness for action, the Admiral made the signal for them to be
prepared to follow his motions. He had already communicated with his
captains his plan of attack, and no other signal was made, or was
necessary.
"_At eight o'clock_ the Hannibal, unable to work out of the Bay, was
observed to anchor again at Algeziras, and the enemy bore up through
the Straits; the Caesar's helm was instantly put up, a blue light being
burned at the same time for the squadron to follow. At 8h. 40m. the
Superb was gaining fast upon us, and the Admiral ordered me to hail
Captain Keats, directing him to engage the ship nearest to the Spanish
shore. The enemy was retreating in two lines abreast, thus:
[Illustration]
(Representation of illustration follows)
S
H
2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10
the three French ships in the van, the Spanish squadron in the rear.
Had the Hannibal succeeded in getting out of the bay, she was to have
taken the station ahead of the French ships, at the place marked with
a cross H, in order to put her in the greatest security, and to
preserve their trophy.
"At five minutes past eleven the Superb opened her fire; and, very
shortly after, the two sternmost ships of the enemy were seen to be in
flames. We were rapidly approaching them, and orders had been sent
down to the officers at their quarters to fire as soon as the guns
would bear.
"I was at this time standing on the poop ladder, near the Admiral,
when he seized me by the shoulder, and, pointing to the flames
bursting out, exclaimed, 'My God, sir, look there! the day is ours!' A
more magnificent scene never presented itself, as may be easily
imagined, than two ships of such immense magnitude as the Spanish
first-rates, on board of each other in flames, with a fresh gale, the
sea running high, and their sails in the utmost confusion. The flames,
ascending the rigging with the rapidity of lightning, soon
communicated to the canvass, which instantly became one sheet of fire.
A very general feeling of regret and sympathy seemed to be quickly
experienced around us when we beheld the Spanish colours brilliantly
illuminated by the dreadful conflagration, instead of the French. The
unfortunate Spaniards, having become at once the tools and the victims
of France, were objects of our sincere commiseration.
"The Superb was now seen a little way on the starboard bow, engaged
with one of the enemy's ships, while several others were in sight at a
distance ahead. We kept on our course, and after having fired a
broadside into the Superb's opponent, (which, however, was already
nearly silenced), continued the chase, followed by the Venerable; but,
when nearly the length of Trafalgar, our wounded masts complained so
much, that we were under the necessity of close-reefing the
main-top-sail, and taking in the fore-top-sail. The Admiral was also
anxious to get his squadron round him, that he might, with his
collected force, reach Cadiz before the morning, and cut the enemy off
from the only port in which they could find security.
"The easterly wind, which, although blowing with great violence in the
Straits, is seldom felt close in shore on either the Spanish or
African coasts, entirely failed us as we hauled round Cape Trafalgar,
and left our ship rolling heavily in the swell, to the great danger of
our masts. At half-past twelve o'clock one of the Spanish
three-deckers blew up, with a tremendous explosion, and soon after the
other. They had previously separated, after their masts had fallen,
and the rigging was consumed; and they were seen for some time
burning at a distance from each other, before their fatal termination.
"As the Admiral and myself were looking over the chart together, in
order to shape our course for Cadiz, we heard an alarming cry of
'Fire!' and, running out upon deck, were enveloped in a thick
sulphrueous smoke, which seemed to pervade every part of the ship.
Soon, however, we found it clear away, and ascertained the cause to
be, that we had run into the column of smoke and vapour arising from
the explosion of the Spanish ship, which, being too dense to rise, lay
along the surface of the water. We gradually emerged from this, and
were relieved from our apprehensions of sharing the fate of our
unhappy enemies.
"At the dawn of day we saw the Venerable close to a French
line-of-battle ship, and drawing up with her by the aid of a light air
off the Spanish shore. At five o'clock the Venerable opened her fire
upon the enemy. The breeze dying away, the two ships were enveloped in
a cloud of smoke. The Caesar, at the distance of about a mile and a
half, was perfectly becalmed. The boats were sent ahead, in hopes of
being able to tow her within gun-shot of the enemy. In the course of a
short time, a light breeze having dispersed the dense cloud of smoke
which the fire of the two ships had occasioned, we discovered the
Venerable with her main-mast gone, and her opponent availing herself
of the air from the eastward to draw away, and pursue her course for
Cadiz, firing her stern-chasers at the Venerable. The remainder of the
enemy's squadron, consisting of five sail of the line and one frigate,
in which both the French and Spanish admirals were embarked, were
discerned in the N.W., at a considerable distance, coming down with a
westerly wind.
"The Superb having secured the prize, was approaching us from the
S.E., and the Spencer and Audacious were also to the southward. Such
was the relative situation of the squadrons, when, at eight minutes
past eight, the Venerable made the signal of having struck on a shoal.
The Admiral, very apprehensive of her falling into the hands of the
enemy, sent me with discretional orders to Captain Hood, that, should
he not be able to get her off the shoal, he might put his men into the
Thames, and burn the Venerable, making the signal at the same time for
the Thames to close with the Venerable as soon as possible. I had
scarcely left the Caesar when I saw the Venerable's fore-mast go over
the side; and before I reached her the mizen-mast followed. I found
her, on going on board, a perfect wreck, striking on the shoal, and
the shot from the stern-chase guns of the Formidable, her opponent,
going over her. The gallant Hood was seated on a gun on the
quarter-deck, cheerfully waiting for the assistance which he knew the
Admiral would send to him as soon as the wind would enable him, and
ready to take advantage of any circumstance that might occur.
"Having delivered my message from the Admiral, he said, 'Tell Sir
James I hope it is not yet so bad with the old Venerable; I hope to
get her off soon. Let the Thames stay by me, in readiness to receive
our people. These rascals shall not have her.' I returned to my ship;
the breeze sprung up; and the Thames closing with the Venerable,
enabled her to heave off the shoal, and the enemy availed himself of
the wind to get into Cadiz. The Venerable was soon under jury-masts
and in tow of the Spencer, steering for Gibraltar, followed by the
rest of the squadron; where we all anchored, with our prize, the San
Antonio, of seventy-four guns, at 6 P.M. on the 14th.
"The scene before us, on anchoring, was of the most animating
description. Every point of the Rock overhanging the shore was crowded
with people, and the acclamations of the troops and inhabitants which
rent the air resounded throughout the bay! Here, indeed, was a triumph
for our hero, who, only a week before, had been towed in from
Algeziras with his crippled and defeated squadron, with the loss of a
ship of the line; but now entering victorious with the same squadron,
reinforced, it is true, by the Superb, but diminished by the loss of
the Hannibal, while the disabled state of the Pompee had prevented
her leaving Gibraltar; after having engaged and defeated an enemy of
more than double his force, and having burnt two of their first-rates,
and taken from them a ship of the line.
"From the nature of the attack and retreat, there was not much hard
fighting on this occasion, and consequently little opportunity for any
display of that valour and skill which is so constantly manifested in
severe actions. The Superb and Venerable had the greatest, and almost
the only share. But the conduct of the Admiral, I will venture to say,
when all the circumstances are taken into consideration, must be
deemed fully equal to anything that has adorned the pages of England's
naval history. Instead of the recklessness of despair, to which some
might have attributed an attack with crippled ships against a force
every way so greatly superior, he manifested a calm and resolute
determination. His intentions were expressed with so much clearness
that, as I have already observed, signals were rendered unnecessary.
He waited with much patience and firmness for the enemy to bear up,
which would place them in a situation the least favourable for
resisting a simultaneous attack upon any portion of their squadron.
"When the governor, the garrison, and the inhabitants of Gibraltar,
who had passed the night with painful anxiety beheld the approach of
the victorious squadron, their joy and exultation knew no bounds.
Even the wounded at the hospitals, when they heard of the glorious
success which had attended their brethren in arms, raising their
stumps, joined in the general burst of acclamation. On the arrival of
the Caesar, the royal standard was hoisted, twenty-one guns were fired
at the King's Bastion, and the whole of this noble fortress was
brilliantly illuminated in honour of the victory."
After the termination of this contest,--a contest which may be said to
have lasted seven days, in which two battles had been fought under
peculiar disadvantages, and which ended in adding another brilliant
ray to the naval glory of Britain,--Sir James, with that humility
which had ever formed a distinguished feature in his character,
returned thanks to the great Giver of all victory for crowning his
exertions with success.
The following general memorandum was given out to the squadron, on
their return to Gibraltar:
Caesar, Rosia Bay, 15th July 1801.
Rear-admiral Sir James Saumarez has the happiness to offer his
most heartfelt congratulations to the captains, officers, and
men of the ships he had the honour to command, on the signal
success with which it has pleased Almighty God to crown their
zealous exertions in the service of their country. To the
discipline and valour of British seamen is to be ascribed their
great superiority over the enemy, who, although more than
triple the force of the English squadron in number of guns and
weight of metal, have been so signally defeated.
The Rear-admiral has not failed to transmit in his late
despatches a report of the unparalleled exertions of all the
officers and men in refitting his Majesty's ships after the
battle of Algeziras, where their conduct and bravery were
equally conspicuous, and which has led to the late glorious
success.
JAS. SAUMAREZ.
To the respective Captains, &c.
Lieutenant Dumaresq, of the Caesar, was now despatched in the Louisa
brig to England, with the following official accounts of the action
from the Rear-admiral, and from Captains Keats and Hood:
Caesar, off Cape Trafalgar, 13th July 1801.
SIR,
I request you will please to inform my Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty that it has pleased the Almighty to crown the
exertions of this squadron with the most signal success over the
enemies of their country.
The three French line-of-battle ships disabled in the action of
the 6th instant off Algeziras, were, on the 8th, reinforced by a
squadron of five Spanish line-of-battle ships, under the command
of Don Juan Joaquin de Moreno, and a French ship of seventy-four
guns, wearing a broad pendant; besides three frigates, and an
incredible number of gun-boats and other vessels; and got under
sail yesterday morning, together with his Majesty's late ship
Hannibal, which they had succeeded in getting off the shoal on
which she struck.
I almost despaired of having a sufficient force in readiness to
oppose to such numbers; but, through the great exertions of
Captain Brenton, and the officers and men belonging to the
Caesar, the ship was in readiness to warp out of the Mole
yesterday morning, and got under way immediately after, with all
the squadron except the Pompee, which ship had not had time to
get her masts in.
Confiding in the zeal and intrepidity of the officers and men I
had the happiness to serve with, I determined, if possible, to
obstruct the passage of this powerful force to Cadiz. Late in
the evening I observed the enemy's ships to have cleared Cabrita
Point; and, at eight, I bore up with the squadron to stand after
them. His Majesty's ship Superb being stationed ahead of the
Caesar, I directed Captain Keats to make sail and attack the
sternmost ships of the enemy's rear, using his endeavours to
keep in-shore of them.
At eleven, the Superb opened her fire close to the enemy's
ships; and, on the Caesar's coming up and preparing to engage a
three-decker that had hauled her wind, she was perceived to have
taken fire; and the flames having communicated to a ship to
leeward of her, both were soon in a blaze, and presented a most
awful sight. As no possibility existed of affording the least
assistance in so distressing a situation, the Caesar passed, to
close with the ship engaged by the Superb; but, by the cool and
determined fire kept up on her, which must ever reflect the
highest credit on the discipline of that ship, she was
completely silenced, and soon after hauled down her colours.
The Venerable and Spencer having at this time come up, I bore up
after the enemy, who were carrying a press of sail, standing out
of the Straits; and lost sight of them. During the night it blew
excessively hard till daylight, and, in the morning, the only
ships in company were the Venerable and Thames, ahead of the
Caesar, and one of the French ships at some distance from them,
standing towards the shoals of Conil, besides the Spencer
astern, coming up.
All the ships immediately made sail with a fresh breeze, but, as
we approached, the wind suddenly failing, the Venerable was
alone able to bring her to action; which Captain Hood did in the
most gallant manner, and had nearly silenced the French ship,
when his main-mast (which had been before wounded) was
unfortunately shot away, and, it coming nearly calm, the enemy's
ship was enabled to get off without any possibility of following
her. The highest praise is due to Captain Hood, the officers,
and men of the Venerable, for their spirit and gallantry in this
action, which entitled them to better success. The French ship
was an eighty-four, with additional guns on the gunwale. This
action was so near the shore that the Venerable struck on one of
the shoals; but was soon after got off, and taken in tow by the
Thames, though with the loss of all her masts.
The enemy's ships are now in sight to the westward, standing in
for Cadiz; the Superb and Audacious, with the captured ship, are
in sight, with the Carlotta, Portuguese frigate, commanded by
Captain Crawford Duncan, who very handsomely came out with the
squadron, and has been of the greatest assistance to Captain
Keats in staying by the enemy's ship captured by the Superb.
I am proceeding with the squadron for Rosia Bay, and shall
proceed, the moment all the ships are refitted, to resume my
station before Cadiz; and shall immediately detach the Thames to
cruise off Cape St. Mary's.
No praises that I can bestow are adequate to the merits of the
officers and ships' companies of all the squadron, particularly
for their unremitted exertions in refitting the ships at
Gibraltar; to which, in a great degree, is to be ascribed the
success of the squadron against the enemy.
Although the Spencer and Audacious had not the good fortune to
partake of this action, I have no doubt of their exertion, had
they come up in time to close with the enemy's ships.
My thanks are also due to Captain Holles of the Thames, and to
the Honourable Captain Dundas of the Calpe, whose assistance was
particularly useful to Captain Keats in securing the enemy's
ship, and enabling the Superb to stand after the squadron in
case of being enabled to renew the action with the enemy.
I have the honour to be, sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.
To Evan Nepean, Esq. &c. &c. &c. Admiralty.
Caesar, off Cape Trafalgar, 14th July 1801.
SIR,
I herewith enclose, for their lordships' further information,
the statement I have received from Captain Keats, to whom the
greatest praise is due for his gallant conduct in the service
alluded to. Captain Hood's merits are held in too high
estimation to receive additional lustre from any praise I can
bestow; but I only do justice to my feelings, when I observe
that in no instance have I known superior bravery to that
displayed by him on this occasion.
I have the honour to be, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.
To Evan Nepean, Esq. Admiralty.
Superb, off Cape Trafalgar, 13th July 1801.
SIR,
Pursuant to your directions to state the particulars of the
Superb's services last night, I have the honour to inform you
that, in consequence of your directions to make sail up to, and
engage, the sternmost of the enemy's ships, at half-past eleven
I found myself abreast of a Spanish three-deck ship, (the Real
Carlos, as appears by the report of some survivors,) which,
having been brought with two other ships, in nearly line
abreast, I opened my fire upon them at not more than three
cables' lengths. This evidently produced a good effect, as well
in this ship as the others abreast of her, which soon began
firing at each other, and, at times, on the Superb. In about a
quarter of an hour, I perceived the ship I was engaging, and
which had lost her fore-top-mast, to be on fire; upon which we
ceased to molest her; and I proceeded on to the ship next at
hand, which proved to be the San Antonio, of seventy-four guns
and seven hundred and thirty men, commanded by Chef-de-division
Le Ray, under French colours, wearing a broad pendant, and
manned, nearly equally, with seven hundred and thirty French and
Spanish seamen, and which, after some action, (the chef being
wounded,) struck her colours.
I learn, from the very few survivors of the ships that caught
fire and blew up, who, in an open boat, reached the Superb at
the time she was taking possession of the San Antonio, that, in
the confusion of the action, the Hermenegildo, (a first-rate
ship,) mistaking the Real Carlos for an enemy, ran on board of
her, and shared her melancholy fate. Services of this nature
cannot well be expected to be performed without some loss; but
though we have to lament that Lieutenant Edward Waller, and
fourteen seamen and marines, have been mostly severely wounded,
still there is reason to rejoice that that is the extent of our
loss. I received able and active assistance from Mr. Samuel
Jackson, the first lieutenant; and it is my duty to represent to
you that the officers of all descriptions, seamen and marines,
conducted themselves with the greatest steadiness and gallantry.
I have the honour to be, sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
R.G. KEATS.
To Sir James Saumarez, Bart. &c. &c. &c.
List of the Spanish and French squadrons which sailed from Algeziras
on the 12th July 1801, under command of Don Juan Joaquin de Moreno,
Lieutenant-general (or Vice-admiral), and the French Vice-admiral
Linois:
SPANISH.
Ships' names. Guns. Captains. Where built. Year.
Real Carlos* 112 Don J. Esquerra Havanna 1793
Hermenegildo* 112 Don J. Emparran Do. 1789
San Fernando 96 Don J. Malina Do. 1765
Argonauta 80 Don J. Harrera Ferrol 1798
San Augustin 74 Don R. Jopete Guarnizo 1768
Sabrina 40
___
514 * Burnt.
FRENCH.
Ships' names. Guns. Captains.
Brought over 514
Formidable 84 Amable-Gilles-Troude.
Indomptable 84 " Callende.
Dessaix 74 Jean A. Chirly-Palliere.
San Antonio 74 Julien Le Ray (Commodore), taken.
Libre 40
Indienne 40
Muron 40
Vautour 12
Total 962 & Hannibal, 74 not in the action, 1036.
The Spanish and French admirals were on board the Sabrina frigate.
List of the British squadron, commanded by Rear-admiral Sir James
Saumarez, which defeated the above combined squadron, 12th July 1801,
in the Straits of Gibraltar:
Ships names. Guns. Captains.
Caesar. 84 Captain Jahleel Brenton.
Spencer 74 " Henry D'Esterre Darby.
Venerable 74 " Samuel Hood.
Superb 74 " Rich. Goodwin Keats.
Audacious 74 " Shuldham Peard.
Thames 36 " A.P. Holles.
Total 416
In favour of the}
enemy. } 546
The Rear-admiral had his flag on board the Caesar, 84.
The guns of the enemy's ships being much heavier, increased their
weight of metal to triple that of the squadron.
The Superb had Lieutenant Waller, and fourteen seamen and marines,
wounded. The Venerable had Mr. J. Williams (her master), fifteen
seamen, and two marines, killed; Lieutenant Thomas Church, Mr. Snell
(boatswain), Messrs. Massey and Pardoe (midshipmen), seventy-three
seamen, and ten marines, wounded.
In the French and Spanish accounts of this action, which will be given
hereafter, it will be seen that the loss of the enemy has _not_ been
accurately enumerated; but, out of two thousand men that were in the
Real Carlos and Hermenegildo, only three hundred were saved. Commodore
Le Ray, of the San Antonio, was wounded; but his loss in men, which
must have been severe, has not been ascertained.
We shall here give some interesting extracts from private letters from
Sir James, written at the close of the battle:
Caesar, 13th July 1801, 8 A.M.
I shall leave you to judge of the difference of my feelings to
those when I sat down to write the letter of this day week.[39]
To an all-merciful PROVIDENCE is to be ascribed the wonderful
and most awful event of last night, which will ever be
remembered with terror by the nations it concerned, and by me
with infinite gratitude for so peculiar a token of Divine mercy
vouchsafed towards me.
[39] See page 388.
Two days after the action of last Monday, a strong squadron was
sent to Algeziras from Cadiz, to protect the disabled French
ships, and to convoy them to the latter port, with the Hannibal,
which ship they had succeeded in getting off the shoal whereon
she had unfortunately grounded. It may be supposed that no
exertion was wanting on my part to get the squadron in a state
for service; and, beyond all expectation, owing to the great
activity and zeal of every officer and man in the squadron, we
were in a state to put to sea yesterday, on the enemy's getting
under sail from the Bay of Algeziras; the Pompee excepted, which
had not sufficient time to get in new masts.
Late in the evening I observed that the enemy's ships,
consisting of ten sail of the line and four frigates, had
succeeded in clearing the bay; and at eight o'clock I made sail
after them. Captain Keats, who, in the Superb, had been much
mortified at not having shared in the former affair, being near
the Caesar, I directed him to endeavour to bring the rear ships
of the enemy to action; myself following with the Venerable, and
the other two ships, some distance astern.
It was near midnight when the Superb succeeded in engaging the
enemy; and, as we came up, a three-deck ship hauling up for us
after having fired at the Superb, by some accident, in the
moment we were going to give her our broadside, took fire, which
communicating to a ship which we perceived close to her, both
were almost instantly in a blaze. So awful a scene I never yet
have witnessed. We then closed with the Superb, which had nearly
silenced her opponent, when she struck.
Think what a change then took place in the inequality of force
with which we began the action! I left the Superb to take care
of the prize, and proceeded after the other ships; the Audacious
and Spencer having now joined. It came on to blow excessively
hard till daylight, when I found the Venerable and Thames a
small distance ahead, and one of the French ships standing for
the shore. We immediately crowded all sail, and made sure of
taking her, when the wind failed us, and the Venerable only was
able to engage her; but, being at the time close to the shore,
she very unfortunately got aground, and we were obliged to leave
her, after sustaining very great damage.
We are now about seven leagues from Cadiz, and I see the
remainder of the enemy's squadron going into port. I am as yet
ignorant of the ship's name that struck her colours last night.
She is, however, one of those that came from Cadiz with the
Spanish squadron, but under French colours, and had a broad
pendant. We are proceeding to Gibraltar.
The following extract is from a letter to Richard Saumarez, Esq.:
Caesar, off Cadiz, 13th July 1801.
I intend to send Phil. D. with my despatches. You must refer to
him for the particulars of the wonderful events since yesterday.
After detailing these events exactly as in the above, he adds,
respecting the Venerable:
It was as severe an action as I have known, and must reflect the
highest credit on Captain Hood; but having his main-mast shot
away, and it falling nearly calm, he was obliged to leave the
enemy. We were at this time close to the shoals off the coast,
on which the Venerable got aground; but she was afterwards got
off, and was taken in tow by the Thames. I fear she has
sustained great loss in men. What a surprising change, my dear
Richard, to the events of last Monday! To the Divine mercy I
entirely ascribe this signal success, who never forsakes those
who place their confidence in him! I mean to send the Louisa,
which joined me yesterday from Minorca, with Phil. Dumaresq, and
doubt not but he will be a welcome messenger. We see the
remainder of the enemy's squadron. They are standing for Cadiz,
&c.
Sir James subsequently wrote to his eldest brother, residing in
Guernsey; and, as his letter will be found to contain additional
matter of much interest, we herewith insert it.
Caesar, Gibraltar, 16th July 1801.
MY DEAR BROTHER,
I hope that the several letters I have had the pleasure of
writing to you at different opportunities, will arrive safely;
and that you and all my friends will not be kept in suspense on
events which, thanks to the Divine Providence! have terminated
so successfully to the squadron. Although I always trusted some
favourable turn would take place, I never could have formed any
hopes equal to what has actually occurred. The possession of one
or two of the disabled ships, besides the recovery of the
Hannibal, was the utmost that could have been expected; but our
present success far exceeds that. The destruction of two
first-rates, and the capture of a seventy-four, completely
cripples the force in Cadiz, and places the squadron with me
superior to all the force the enemy can collect; and this,
without any loss whatever to this ship, and trifling to the
Superb. The men, wounded on board the latter, suffered from the
explosion of cartridges in their own ship.
The misfortune to the Venerable was more serious; but this was
subsequently to the attack on the enemy's force, and was mainly
attributable to the untoward circumstance of the wind failing
this ship when we were very close to her.
It is inconceivable the _eclat_ with which we have been received
by this garrison, and the distinguished honours paid to the
squadron; indeed their marked attention, after the attack of
Algeziras, does them great credit; as, after the failure of that
business, we exposed Gibraltar to all the inconvenience of a
blockaded port; and yet the whole garrison received us as if we
had obtained a victory. You must suppose my distress must have
been great during the interval: convoys long expected were
liable to fall into the enemy's hands, whilst the increasing
force at Cadiz would soon have put it out of my power to cope
with them.
The St. Antoine has scarcely suffered: my intention is to take
her into the service; and in two weeks, I expect, she will be
partly manned, and fit for sea. Yesterday, almost all the
Hannibal's men were sent in, which will make up our
deficiencies, and partly man that ship, when in a fortnight she
shall proceed on a particular service.
These are trifling advantages compared to those that result from
both actions. The three ships were to have proceeded direct to
the Bay of Casquays, at the entrance of the Tagus, where the
troops with them were to have taken possession of the batteries,
which would have given them complete possession of the trade to
and from Lisbon. I have despatched the Spencer and Audacious,
and shall join them with this ship, the Pompee, and Superb, the
first easterly wind, and cruise before Cadiz with this force,
far superior to any the enemy can put to sea. I shall soon be
joined by ships from England.
We have, as yet, no accounts since we sailed. You will have the
pleasure of mentioning to the relations of the young men I have,
that they have all behaved most nobly, and are perfectly well:
it is a particular circumstance that, out of six ships, three
masters should have been killed, and not one lieutenant hurt out
of the whole number.
I hope the benevolence of the public will be extended to the
sufferers in these actions: some are piteous objects; indeed, no
less than three brave men with the loss of both arms.
I send this by a vessel belonging to Jersey.
My dear brother, most sincerely yours,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.
John Saumarez, Esq. Guernsey.
P.S.--I am under great concern at the uneasiness you must all
suffer at our unsuccessful attack off Algeziras; but this will,
I hope, soon remove it. Messrs. Le Mesurier, jointly with Mr.
Tucker, Lord St. Vincent's secretary, are appointed agents.
The following letter to Lady Saumarez is dated 17th July, on board the
Caesar, at Gibraltar; and gives a detailed account of his proceedings
after his arrival there.
Since our arrival here on Tuesday afternoon, every distinguished
attention which can be thought of has been paid to the squadron.
The day following, the royal standard was hoisted; at noon the
garrison saluted; and, in the evening, the most splendid
illuminations took place in every habitable part of this famous
Rock. Yesterday the governor gave a dinner, and he intends to
invite the ladies to a ball on this occasion. We have, also,
invitations from the different corps for every day we are likely
to remain here: but what has afforded me more satisfaction, is
the manner we were received after the attack of Algeziras,
which, from the arrival of the Spanish squadron, subjected the
garrison to every inconvenience of a port blockaded. The St.
Antoine I have ordered to be purchased into the service; and I
propose to appoint officers to her. She is a very good ship, and
has suffered so little that I expect to have her fit for service
in less than a fortnight. The Spencer and Audacious I detached
off Cape St. Mary's, and I shall join them with the Pompee and
Superb the first easterly wind, and resume my station before
Cadiz, where they cannot have more than four ships ready for
sea; and, I may venture to pronounce, the Spanish ships will not
come out, except the French take possession of the batteries and
compel them. We have almost daily accounts from thence,
describing the disagreements between the French and Spaniards as
most serious. They also describe the two French ships as being
in a very shattered condition, and there being no materials in
store to repair them.
I think my first accounts will reach you by way of Lisbon; but I
hope Dumaresq, with the subsequent ones, will make his
appearance very soon after. I am very impatient to hear from
England. I require small vessels very much, as I have not been
able to convey the accounts of our success to Lord Keith.
When am I to hear from you? and when shall I be assured you have
not suffered from the relation of these events? The governor and
others talk to me of honours being conferred; but, unless
Parliament furnish the means to support them with dignity, I
might as well be without them. The only ladies I have yet seen
are, Lady Ann Niel and Mrs. Edwards, whose husbands have
regiments here; they are very amiable people: besides, Mr.
Fyers, whose daughter was married the evening of the
illumination,--an ominous day you will think. Captain Brenton
will draw you some excellent views of both actions, without
partiality. I am most highly indebted to him, in getting this
ship so soon refitted, and, indeed, throughout the whole of our
important service. A large shot passed through the cabin, which
filled it with splinters, and demolished the tables and chairs,
besides the glass. Fortunately, my papers and wardrobe escaped.
We are now quite refitted; as well, I may say, as we were a
fortnight ago.
I am in want of nothing whatever, but letters from you. Let me
have favourable accounts of yourself and of our precious
children, and I shall be satisfied. I hope to send a box of
Malaga raisins for the young tribe. James will be overjoyed to
hear of his father's victory.
The following is the account of the above action, from the French
commander-in-chief, dated at Cadiz, 16th July 1801.
CITIZEN MINISTER.--General Moreno has returned into harbour.
General Linois will give you an account of the sailing and
passage of the squadron. I shall only mention to you the chagrin
which I have experienced at not seeing the French ship, St.
Antonio, and the two three-deckers, the Real Carlos and the
Hermenegildo: a marine, saved with forty-five men from the Real
Carlos, has informed us that about midnight the squadron having
been attacked by the English, the Real Carlos and the
Hermenegildo took each other for enemies. A very smart
engagement ensued, the two vessels being nearly foul of each
other. A fire broke out on board the Real Carlos, which soon
blew up, and set fire to the Hermenegildo, which shared the same
fate. The St. Antonio, in consequence of her station, was near
the latter vessel, and this station gave me the greatest
uneasiness; yet I have been assured that there were only two
explosions. I have reason to conclude that, to get at a distance
from the conflagration, Captain Lenny proceeded towards the
coast of Africa, where the calms and currents carried him away
from the squadron, which, at the break of day, was six leagues
west of Cadiz. The day before yesterday the British ships were
descried from the coast, and a French ship in the Strait; but
the latter did not appear to be captured. This may give us some
hope, if the signals are correct. Nothing remains to me but
uncertainty, with a great deal of fear; I do not know what
opinion to entertain.
After having spoken of our losses, it gives me great pleasure to
state to you the new glory with which Le Formidable, commanded
by Captain Troude, has been covered. During the night cannonade,
in the middle of the Strait, this ship received the fire of her
friends and enemies; but with intrepid coolness the captain
would not return the fire, lest he should increase the disorder,
and, keeping close to the Spanish coast, he retired from the
combatants. He was followed by a division of the British fleet
of three ships, and a frigate: and, at break of day, being in
sight of Cadiz, and five leagues distant from the squadron, he
was attacked by three ships, with which he was engaged
half-an-hour, and obliged two of them to retire: the third
endeavoured to attack Le Formidable on the quarter, while the
frigate cannonaded her in stern. But, notwithstanding the bad
state of his masts, Captain Troude approached within musket-shot
of the British ship, the Pompee, which, having lost her mast,
after an engagement of an hour and a half, made haste to get
away, being taken in tow by a frigate. Some time after, both of
her masts came down, and the vessel had the appearance of having
yielded; but, as the two other ships and the frigate were at a
short distance, Captain Troude would not take possession of her:
he expected to be attacked again. The enemy, disconcerted both
in their fire and their bravery, suffered him quietly to pursue
his course.
This engagement took place in sight of Cadiz; and the glorious
result of a combat so unequal, by covering our arms with glory,
has filled the hearts of the Spaniards with the utmost degree of
enthusiasm. Le Formidable was scarcely repaired after the battle
of Algeziras, on the 6th,--top-gallant-mast served as top-masts;
but, in this damaged state, the brave Troude, instead of flying
from the enemy, who might have captured him without firing a
shot, offered them battle, as by this manoeuvre, as prudent as
bold, he first extricated himself from two ships, which he
greatly damaged, and at last totally dismasted the Pompee,[40]
which fought him bravely for an hour and a half.
[40] M. Dumanoir le Pelley is in error here. The Pompee was not
in this action. It has been seen that she was lying disabled at
Gibraltar.
The combined squadron was at that time becalmed, at the distance
of five or six leagues. I expected to see it, on the breeze
springing up, come to take possession of this vessel, and give
chase to capture the four British ships which were in sight; but
I was far from having any idea of the misfortune which befel the
two three-deckers, which no doubt occasioned the separation of
the St. Antonio: and in the evening the squadron came to anchor.
Rear-admiral Linois was exceedingly sorry that he was not on
board the Formidable; but he did not think proper to resist the
earnest solicitations of General Moreno, who induced him to go
on board his frigate that they might better concert their
operations. My respectful salutations,
DUMANOIR LE PELLEY.
Report of Captain Troude, provisional commander of Le Formidable, to
Rear-admiral Linois:
Cadiz, 15th July 1801.
CITIZEN GENERAL,
I have the honour of communicating to you an account of the
operations of Le Formidable, with the provisional command of
which you entrusted me. Proud of the honourable charge of
defending your flag, I endeavoured to execute your orders with
the most scrupulous exactness. I immediately repaired on board
to assume the chief command, and I put to sea as soon as you
made the signal.
You observed, as well as myself, the movements of the enemy's
squadron, which had retired to Gibraltar after the memorable
battle of the 6th at Algeziras. Seeing the enemy set sail at the
same time as the combined squadrons, and keeping to windward of
us at the distance of about a league, I endeavoured to follow
exactly your manoeuvres, and made all the sail possible to
follow you; but the ship I had the honour to command, being
absolutely disabled, having only jury-masts and the lower sails,
I could not make that way which I wished. During the darkness
of the night a strong breeze broke the small top-gallant-mast
that served me as a fore-top-mast, and everything contributed to
prevent me from following the combined squadron.
About midnight I sustained the fire of five English ships that
had come up with me: they fired red-hot bullets. I escaped as
fast as possible from the brisk cannonade which they maintained,
hanging up the same lights as I observed them to have. I had
only three men killed, and two wounded. As I was very near the
combined squadron, I resolved not to engage, that I might avoid
those fatal mistakes which too often take place in a night
engagement. I was afraid lest I might fire into some of our own
vessels, or that they might fire into mine; from which, fatal
accidents must have resulted to the combined squadron. At one in
the morning, not being able to observe or distinguish any more
signals, I made for Cadiz, keeping close in with the Spanish
coast, on a course N. or N.E., and by that means got at a
distance from the squadron, which were steering large in a
westerly direction.
At break of day I found myself attacked by four of the enemy's
squadron,--three ships and a frigate,--which had pursued the
same course. Though totally disabled, and the crew fatigued,
having had no rest for three days, we returned their fire with
courage: the frigate attacked us first, but a few shots well
directed from our stern-guns made her abandon her object. The
ship which followed, approached us, and kept up a brisk fire. We
manoeuvred to get into a better position; I ran close to her
until we were yard-arm and yard-arm, and maintained a terrible
and well-supported fire: after being engaged an hour and a half,
she was completely dismasted, making water in every part. The
frigate which had attacked me astern, came immediately to her
assistance; the other two vessels finding it necessary to sheer
off after receiving some broadsides, not without damage, joined
the frigate, and hoisted out all their boats to save the crew of
the other vessel, and to take her in tow. They resigned to me
the field of battle, and retired.
I expected, however, another combat. We were determined to make
the most vigorous defence; but, as the enemy retired, and as I
found myself in such a situation as to be unable to pursue them,
I resolved to proceed to Cadiz, where I arrived at two in the
afternoon.
I shall not attempt to give you any account of particular
instances of bravery. The two staffs, the crew, and the troops
who were passengers, vied with each other,--covering themselves
with glory; for, besides the noble combat of the 6th, this
proves that the valour which animated the brave men I have the
honour to command, was carried to a degree which it is difficult
to describe. Government will, no doubt, take the earliest
opportunity of rewarding so much courage, and so great a
devotion to restore the glory of the French navy. It would be
just, also, to indemnify them for the losses they have
sustained; their effects having been cut to pieces and
absolutely destroyed.
I have now, Citizen General, to communicate to you a very fatal
relation.--In the battle of this night, two of the ships which
fired upon me, took fire and blew up. I supposed them to be
English, presuming that the fire had been occasioned by the
furnaces they had on board for heating their shot; but, on
entering the harbour of Cadiz, I was assured they were Spanish.
The darkness had led them into a mistake, which I had justly
dreaded. They fired on each other, and on my vessel, at the
moment when I formed the prudent resolution of avoiding a combat
in which I could not distinguish the enemy. The names of these
two vessels are the San Carlos and the Hermenegildo.
In the combat so severe as that of this morning, and against so
unequal a force, I am happy in having to regret only twenty men
killed, or severely wounded.
Accept, Citizen General, assurances of my zeal and most
respectful devotion.
TROUDE.
Letter from Rear-admiral Linois to the Minister of the Marine, giving
an account of the action:
CITIZEN MINISTER,
On the 9th of July a Spanish division, consisting of six sail of
the line and three frigates, arrived at Algeziras from Cadiz,
under command of his Excellency Lieutenant-general Moreno, in
order to raise the blockade of four sail of the line and one
frigate, which were under my orders, and to favour their escape
to Cadiz. That officer accordingly gave me every assistance in
his power in order to put my ships in a condition to put to sea,
and to tow them out, in order to enable them to set sail. Our
labour was continued day and night. General Moreno made his
squadron anchor in a line N.E. and S.W. On the 12th, there was a
tolerable fresh east wind, and it was determined to set sail at
one o'clock in the afternoon, on account of the tide. The signal
being given at that hour, the fleet set sail, the Spanish
squadron being to windward of ours. The frigate L'Indienne towed
the Hannibal, which we were sorry to perceive made very little
way.
The calm which we experienced under Gibraltar necessarily
deranged the regularity of our order; while the enemy, having a
brisk gale at east, sailed from Gibraltar with five sail of the
line, a frigate, a brig, and a Portuguese frigate, and formed
the order of battle. As soon as the English Admiral had passed
Europa Point, he made a signal, and immediately we saw to
windward six sail, of which two had three masts. I was then with
M. de Moreno on board the Sabina frigate. At sunset, the two
last ships of our line doubled the Cape Carnero. Three only
remained, with the Hannibal, which was under jury-masts, and
which consequently could not carry much sail.
Night was coming on, and it was necessary to return to our
anchorage, which afforded the enemy an opportunity of attacking
us before we took a position. At all events every delay was
dangerous, for the reinforcements which the enemy expected might
arrive every moment. The breeze from the east becoming stronger,
we were assured of the wind during the night. We determined to
send the Hannibal back to Algeziras, and to pass the Strait with
the combined squadron. We then manoeuvred so as to facilitate
the rallying of two of our vessels, which had fallen into the
rear in consequence of the calm. The three French vessels, which
sailed better than could have been expected, were in the van;
and in that order it was proposed to pass the Strait.
At eight, the enemy showed a disposition to attack us. At nine
we heard the reports of three cannon, and at the same time we
saw fires at a considerable distance behind us. We presumed it
might be some of the enemy's vessels making signals of their
arrival. We congratulated ourselves upon seeing our squadrons so
well collected together, and sailing so well, which made us
confident that the plan of the enemy would not succeed.
At half-past eleven the wind was considerably increased. The
night was very dark, and we heard a smart cannonade in the
E.N.E.; and, soon after, we saw a conflagration, which made us
apprehend that some of our vessels, in firing their stern guns,
had taken fire, in consequence of the force of the wind. We
thought also that they might be fire-ships of the enemy. We put
about for a moment; but the vessel on fire approaching us, we
continued our way, having constantly a light at our
main-top-mast head, as a signal for rallying.
It could no longer be doubted that the enemy had passed the
Strait, and had got into our wake. The cannonade became pretty
general, but the wind was too strong to continue the action. We
received several shots on board the frigate, which killed one
man and wounded five. Several balls passed through our sails. We
took down the signal we had at our mast-head, for fear the enemy
would fall upon us. It was afterwards hoisted, in order to
collect our ships. We made sail, directing our course to the
W.N.W., not choosing to go more before the wind, lest the wind,
which was very strong, would carry away our masts. We passed the
night in the greatest disquietude, not knowing whether the
vessels which were in sight were not enemies. At length the day
dissipated part of our fears, and we found ourselves in the
midst of our fleet, with the exception of the two ships of three
decks, viz. the Hermenegildo and Real Carlos, and the Formidable
and the St. Antoine. The wind having fallen calm, it became
impossible to go in search of the vessels which had separated.
We were then six leagues west of Cadiz.
At half-past four the Dessaix made a signal that she had sprung
a leak, and that the water gained upon her thirty inches an
hour. She demanded assistance, which was granted. At five
o'clock we heard an action in the east, and perceived a smoke.
The wind being then from the S.E., we made the signal for the
line of battle to be formed as quickly as possible, without
regard to places, in order to assist the vessel that was
engaged. At half-past six the action ceased, and a most perfect
calm succeeded. At eleven, the wind rising again, we perceived
four vessels at a considerable distance from one another. We
flattered ourselves at first that they were our ships, but we
soon found by their manoeuvres that they were enemies. We also
distinguished the Formidable close under the land, making the
best of her way to Cadiz. We stood for the port, from which a
felucca brought me a letter from the captain of the Formidable,
which had been anchored in the Road of Cadiz, stating that in
the morning he had engaged two ships of the line and a frigate,
and that one of the ships of the line had been completely
dismasted, and had been towed away by a frigate. We then
anchored in Cadiz.
I must acknowledge the consummate experience and talents of
General Moreno, as well as the zeal and care which he displayed
for the success of his mission. If separations have taken place,
they must be attributed to the darkness of the night, and the
necessity which there was of getting away from the vessels that
were on fire. That officer, on hearing at Cadiz of the
destruction of two ships of his squadron, Hermenegildo and
Real-Carlos, was justly struck with grief on the occasion. He
had, by his wise instructions, provided against almost every
possible case. I have since been informed that the two Spanish
vessels which were destroyed, cannonaded and run foul of one
another, each supposing the other to be an enemy. We are
uncertain about the fate of the St. Antoine. The violence of the
wind made it extremely dangerous to fire to windward.
Rear-admiral LINOIS.
Dated in Cadiz Harbour, 15th July 1801,
on board the Formidable.
Admiral Moreno's orders to his fleet on the 11th July 1801:
Orders of sailing to be observed by the ships in my charge on
their passage through the Straits of Gibraltar.
The three ships under the command of Rear-admiral Linois will
form the vanguard, with the line abreast; the six ships under my
charge will form astern of these, likewise formed in a line
abreast, endeavouring, as much as possible, to keep opposite to
the intervals of the French ships, so as not to impede their
fire, according to the following disposition:
Hannibal.
Indomptable. Formidable. Dessaix.
Augus- Ar- R. Herme- St. St. Fer-
tin. ganauta. Carlos. negildo. Antonio. nando.
In case the enemy should attempt to follow and attack the
combined squadron in the rear, besides the continual fire which
we ought to make from the stern chasers, chiefly with a view to
destroy the enemy's rigging, the squadron will form the line
ahead, either with their heads to the Spanish coast, or to that
of Africa, as will be determined by signal from the Admiral;
and, in order that this might be more simple, in that case, he
will only show the signal for the course, at the entire lowering
of which the movements must be made. As their situation, from
their local position, cannot be of long duration, consequently
either by hailing (if near enough) or by signal to preserve the
course, the squadron will proceed again to form the line abreast
as formerly. It is of the utmost importance that the fire from
none of the ships should interfere, or be embarrassed with that
of others in this squadron, nor leave the three French ships in
the rear.
As soon as the French ships get under sail, all those in my
charge will do the same, following the track of each other,
always observing to keep at a short distance from the French,
till we weather the Point of Carnero, in order that if the enemy
should get under sail, and find themselves in a situation to
offer battle to our squadron before it is formed in the Straits
with the line abreast as above directed, we may engage them with
advantage; consequently, the least inattention or delay may
produce the most unfortunate consequences.
I think the captains of the ships I have the honour to command
are fully persuaded of this truth, and therefore I depend upon
its efficacy; and I flatter myself that they are convinced
everything will be performed on my part which can be inspired by
my wish to add to the glory of his Majesty's arms, that of our
corps in particular, and the nation in general.
Line of battle in natural order.
_2nd Squadron._ _1st Squadron._ _3rd Squadron._
St. Ferdinand, Formidable, Argonauta,
St. Antonio, R. Carlos, Dessaix,
Hermenegildo. Indomptable. St. Augustin.
Fr. frigate Sabina, Vautour.
A red pendant, under any other signal, signifies it is directed
to the French ships only.
To those conversant in naval affairs, it must appear manifest
that the disposition made by Admirals Moreno and Linois was one
of the worst that could be devised. It was scarcely possible
that nine ships, which had never sailed in company with each
other, could maintain, for any length of time, a line abreast
before the wind so exactly as to be able to form in a line ahead
when required, especially in a dark night with a strong breeze;
and it must be evident that any ship which advanced at all ahead
of the others could never get into the line of battle when the
signal was made to form it on either tack. Moreno seems to have
been fully aware of the probability of the ships firing into
each other, yet he made arrangements of all others the least
likely to prevent it. Had he formed into two lines ahead, with
the disabled ships in advance, he would have obviated the risk
of firing into each other, while the one division, by shortening
sail, might have given timely assistance to the other which had
been attacked.
Nothing can equal the scene of horror which the sudden
conflagration produced in these two ships. The collision in
which the fore-top-mast of the Hermenegildo fell on board of the
Real Carlos, added to the general dismay; and the agonising
screams of the unhappy crews, deserted by their countrymen and
allies in that dreadful hour, could not fail to pierce the
hearts of the brave conquerors; but to render them any
assistance while the hostile flag was flying was impossible. The
duty of the Admiral was to "sink, burn, and destroy." Seven sail
of the enemy's line were still flying from half their force, and
he was obliged to leave the burning ships to their fate, and
pursue his enemy until his destruction was complete.
The capture of the Hannibal, in which the Spaniards had so
distinguished a share, induced a number of the young men of
family to embark in the two Spanish three-deckers, in order to
convey their trophy to Cadiz, never supposing that the
half-demolished British squadron would dare to approach so
formidable and so superior a force. This fatal event, while it
plunged into distress the whole city of Cadiz, could not fail to
create a sensation strongly unfavourable to their new republican
allies as the originators of their misery.
END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY SAMUEL BENTLEY,
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Transcriber's note:
J.M. Frere has been corrected to "J.H." Frere. John Hookman
Frere, (1769-1846), diplomatist, translator, and author was
appointed in 1800 Envoy to Portugal, and was Ambassador to
Spain 1802-4, and again 1808-9.