"At one P.M. the Captain having passed the sternmost of the enemy's
ships, which formed their van, and part of their centre, consisting
of seventeen sail of the line, they on the starboard, we on the
larboard tack, the admiral made the signal to tack in succession;
but, perceiving all the Spanish ships to bear up before the wind,
evidently with an intention of forcing their line, going large, and
joining their separated divisions, at that time engaged with some
of our centre ships, or flying from us--to prevent either of their
schemes from taking place, I ordered the ship to be wore; and,
passing between the Diadem and Excellent, at a quarter past one
o'clock, was engaged with the headmost, and of course leewardmost,
of the Spanish division. The ships, which I knew, were the
Santissima Trinidada of one hundred and thirty-six guns, San Josef
of one hundred and twelve, Salvador del Mundo of one hundred and
twelve, San Nicolas of eighty; there was another first-rate, and a
seventy-four, names unknown.
"I was immediately joined, and most nobly supported, by the
Culloden, Captain Troubridge. The Spanish fleet, not wishing, I
suppose, to have a decisive battle, hauled to the wind on the
larboard tack, which brought the ships abovementioned to be the
leewardmost and sternmost ships in their fleet. For near an hour, I
believe, but I do not pretend to be correct as to time, did the
Culloden and Captain support this not only apparently, but really,
unequal contest; when the Blenheim, passing between us and the
enemy, gave us a respite, and sickened the Dons. At this time, the
Salvador del Mundo, and San Ysidro, dropped astern; and were fired
into, in a masterly stile, by the Excellent, Captain Collingwood,
who compelled the San Ysidro to hoist English colours; and, I
thought, the large ship, Salvador del Mundo, had also struck: but
Captain Collingwood, disdaining the parade of taking possession of
a vanquished enemy, most gallantly pushed up, with every sail set,
to save his old friend and messmate; who was, to appearance, in a
critical state. The Blenheim being ahead, the Culloden crippled and
astern, the Excellent ranged up within two feet of the San Nicolas,
giving a most tremendous fire. The San Nicolas luffing up, the San
Josef fell on board her; and the Excellent, passing on for the
Santissima Trinidada, the Captain resumed her station abreast of
them, and close alongside. At this time, the Captain having lost
her fore-top-mast, not a sail, shroud, nor rope left, her wheel
away, and incapable of farther service in the line or in chace, I
directed Captain Miller to put the helm a-starboard; and, calling
for the boarders, ordered them to board. The soldiers of the
sixty-ninth, with an alacrity which will ever do them credit, and
Lieutenant Pearson of the same regiment, were almost the foremost
on this service. The first man who jumped into the enemy's mizen
chains was Captain Berry, late my first-lieutenant--Captain Miller
was in the act of going, also, but I directed him to remain--he was
supported by our spritsail yard, which hooked in the mizen rigging.
A soldier of the sixty-ninth regiment having broken the upper
quarter-gallery window, I jumped in, myself, and was followed by
others as fast as possible. I found the cabin doors fastened, and
some Spanish officers fired their pistols: but, having broke open
the doors, the soldiers fired; and the Spanish
brigadier--commodore, with a distinguishing pendant--instantly
fell, as retreating to the quarter-deck; where immediately onwards,
for the quarter-deck; where I found Captain Berry in possession of
the poop, and the Spanish ensign hauling down. I passed with my
people, and Lieutenant Pearson, on the larboard gangway, to the
forecastle; where I met two or three Spanish officers, prisoners to
my seamen. They delivered me their swords. A fire of pistols or
muskets, opening from the admiral's stern-gallery of the San Josef,
I directed the soldiers to fire into her stern; and, calling to
Captain Miller, ordered him to send more men into the San Nicolas,
and directed my people to board the first-rate, which was done in
an instant, Captain Berry assisting me into the main-chains. At
this moment, a Spanish officer looked over the quarter-deck rail,
and said they surrendered. From this most welcome intelligence, it
was not long before I was on the quarter-deck; where the Spanish
captain, with a bow, presented me his sword, and said the admiral
was dying of his wounds. I asked him, on his honour, if the ship
surrendered. He declared, she was. On which, I gave him my hand;
and desired him to call in his officers, and ship's company, and
tell them of it: and, on the quarter-deck of a Spanish first-rate,
extravagant as the story may seem, did I receive the swords of
vanquished Spaniards; which, as I received, I gave to William
Fearney, one of my bargemen; who put them, with the greatest
_sang-froid_, under his arm. I was surrounded by Captain Berry,
Lieutenant Pearson of the sixty-ninth regiment, John Sykes, John
Thompson, Francis Cooke--all old Agamemnons--and several other
brave men, seamen and soldiers. Thus fell these ships.
"N.B. In boarding the San Nicolas, I believe, we had about seven
killed, and ten wounded; and about twenty Spaniards lost their
lives by a foolish resistance. None were lost, I believe, in
boarding the San Josef.
"Rear-Admiral Don Francisco Winthuysen died of his wounds on board
the San Josef, and Commodore Gerraldelino on board the San Nicolas,
soon after the action ceased.
"Don Enrique M'Donal was killed on board the San Nicolas, when
boarded by the Captain."
The second day after writing the letter which inclosed the above
admirable account of the proceedings of the Captain, on the memorable
14th of February, the fleet sailed from Lagos Bay, and proceeded to
Lisbon, which they reached on the 27th instant.
The rejoicings of the Portuguese at this glorious victory over the
Spaniards were little less ardent than if it had been their own; and
their reception of the British heroes, at Lisbon, was cordial beyond
conception.
While the fleet remained at anchor in the Tagus, his majesty's ships the
Orion, Minerve, Romulus, Southampton, Andromache, Bonne Citoyenne,
Leander, and Raven, received orders to put themselves under the command
of Commodore Nelson; and, on the 6th of March, sailed from the Tagus,
with sealed instructions to the squadron, which were only to be opened
in case of separation.
The intention of this cruize is fully unveiled in a letter, written to a
friend in England, dated on board the Irresistible, off Lagos Bay,
March 16, 1797; in which he observes--"I am here, looking out for the
Viceroy of Mexico, with three sail of the line, and hope to meet him.
Two first-rates, and a seventy-four, are with him; but the larger the
ships, the better the mark.
"The Spanish fleet," he adds, "is in Cadiz; the officers hooted,
and pelted, by the mobility. Their first report was, the action
happening in a foggy day; when the fog cleared up, they only saw
fifteen sail of the line: therefore, concluded that, at least, five
of our's were sunk in the action. My usual good fortune attended
me; which, I know, will give you, among my other friends,
satisfaction."
This letter is extracted from the Naval Chronicle: the following is from
a private letter to the Earl of St. Vincent, bearing the same date--"Our
cruize, as yet, has been unfortunate; but, I believe, no vessels have
passed, which were not examined. The squadron want nothing, and are
remarkably healthy. I shall remain off Cape St. Vincent's till I receive
your farther orders."
Though the object of this cruize was pursued with uncommon ardour, the
viceroy appears to have eluded all the vigilance of the British
squadron; which, on the 20th of March, was joined by the Captain, when
Commodore Nelson again hoisted his broad pendant on board that ship.
On the 2d of April, he joined the commander in chief off Cadiz; and, on
the 11th of that month, having received orders to blockade this port,
wrote to apprize the American and Danish consuls of the event.
About the middle of this month, having been promoted to be Rear-Admiral
of the Blue, he was ordered, by Sir John Jervis, to bring off the
garrison of Porto Ferrajio; a service which he performed with his usual
address: and, as usual, he gives all the praise to his coadjutors. This
will abundantly appear in the following letter to Sir John Jervis, dated
on board the Captain, off Cape Pallas, May 1, 1797.
"DEAR SIR,
"As I shall send away the Rose Cutter the moment I see the Rock,
you will know, from her arrival, that we are in a fair way for
arriving safe at Gibraltar. I spoke a Danish frigate, on the 27th
of April, from Malaga four days. He says, the Spanish fleet has
most positive orders to come to sea, and fight you. This makes me
doubly anxious to join you. I have not interfered with Captain
Freemantle's charge and arrangement of the convoy: it could not be
in better hands; therefore, I only overshadow them with my wings. I
have the satisfaction to tell you, that all the troops--except the
Royals, who were always intended to be embarked in the ships of
war--are embarked in the transports; with the exception of twenty,
and General Horneck, who are in two vessels loaded with wine. I
offered to take a hundred into each ship of my squadron, but I
found there was not the smallest necessity for it. I hope, Sir, you
will state this point at home; as it would have been a severe
reflection on me, not to have left what was necessary for the
embarkation of the army. I rejoice in this opportunity of
vindicating my conduct; and beg leave again to recommend Lieutenant
Day, agent for transports, to your notice. I placed my reliance on
his judgment, not to leave a ship more than was necessary; and, I
am not deceived: a more zealous, active officer, as agent for
transports, I never met with. General De Burgh also speaks of him
in the highest terms; and, I hope, the Transport Board will keep
their promise of recommending those officers in their service who
eminently distinguish themselves; which, I take upon myself to say,
Lieutenant Day has not only done at Bastia, but at Porto Ferrajio.
For his conduct at the former place, you was so good, on my stating
his services, to recommend him to the Admiralty; I should not do
justice to his majesty's service, were I not to urge it again.
"I have the pleasure to add, that all the captains under my orders
have conducted themselves like zealous, good officers.
"I have the honour to be, Sir, with the greatest respect, your most
obedient servant,
"Horatio Nelson."
On the 20th of May, having arrived safely at Gibraltar, he received a
letter from James Simpson, Esq. the American consul; mentioning, that
twelve sail of vessels belonging to the United States of America, with
their cargoes on board, were in the road of Malaga, unable to proceed on
their respective voyages, because three French privateers were waiting
to seize on them the moment they got from under the guns of that port,
and there was no doubt that the French consul would adjudge them to be
good prizes, as he had recently adjudged several American vessels and
cargoes. The consul added, that it was impossible to get protection for
them, unless the commodore should be pleased to afford them that of his
majesty's fleet till they got close to the Barbary coast, where they
would consider themselves as safe. He accordingly sent, the very next
day, the Andromache frigate, Captain Mansfield, for that purpose. In the
mean time, he returned a polite answer to the consul: in which he
observed that, by thus freely granting the protection of the British
flag to the subjects of the United States, he was sure of fulfilling the
wishes of his sovereign; and, he hoped, of strengthening the harmony
which at present so happily subsisted between the two nations.
On the 27th, he shifted his flag from the Captain to the Theseus; and
was appointed to the command of the inner squadron, at the blockade of
Cadiz.
A curious proof occurs, at this period, of the conciliatory conduct,
amiable manners, and more than chivalrous gallantry, of the heroic
commodore and his commander in chief. This is contained in a letter
addressed to the Spanish admiral, Don Josef de Mazerendo, dated on board
the Theseus, May 30, 1797, as follows--
"SIR,
"I have the honour of sending your excellency a packet from Sir
John Jervis; and I embrace the opportunity of assuring you of my
high esteem for your character. The 4th of June being the birth-day
of my Royal Master, Sir John Jervis intends firing a _feu de joye_,
at eight o'clock in the evening; and has desired me to mention it
to your excellency, that the ladies at Cadiz may not be alarmed at
the firing. Believe me your excellency's most faithful servant,
"Horatio Nelson."
The Spanish admiral's answer, addressed to Sir Horatio Nelson, equally
deserves to be recorded, as partaking of the same liberal spirit.
"On board the Conception,
off Cadiz,
1st June 1797.
"MY DEAR SIR,
"I correspond to the urbanity merited by the letter with which you
honoured me the 30th of May last.
"The ladies of Cadiz, accustomed to the noisy sounds of salutes of
the vessels of war, will sit, and will hear what Sir John Jervis
means to regale them with, for the evening of the 4th current, in
honour of his Britannic majesty's birth-day; and the general wish
of the Spanish nation cannot but interest itself in so august a
motive.
"God preserve you, many years. I kiss your hands.
"Your attentive servant, "Josef de Mazerendo.
"P.S. I beg that you will be pleased to direct the two adjoined
letters to the Admiral Jervis and to Sir James Saumarez."
Flags of truce, indeed, were continually passing, at this time, between
the British and Spanish commanders; and peace, by the latter, at least,
was ardently wished for.
The naval fête, proposed for his majesty's birth-day, had another object,
which could not very courteously be hinted to the Spanish admiral. On
that day, it seems, Rear-Admiral Nelson was invested, by his commander
in chief, who personated the king on this occasion, with the insignia of
the order of the Bath, and the gold medal, which had been transmitted by
the sovereign, in consequence of the glorious victory of the 14th of
February over the Spanish fleet.
The mutual civilities between the Spanish and British officers, while in
expectation of peace, were certainly to the honour of both parties. It
seems, however, to have been soon suspected, that advantage was taken of
a most humane indulgence.
On the 30th of June, a letter was addressed, by Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio
Nelson, to Don Josef Mazerendo, the Spanish admiral, from on board the
Theseus, which evidently intimated apprehensions of such an effect.
"SIR,
"I am directed by my worthy commander in chief to inform your
excellency, that numbers of the Spanish fishing-boats are found at
such a distance from the land as plainly to evince that they have
something farther in view than catching fish; and, therefore, that
orders are given, that no fishing vessel be in future permitted to
go farther from the shore than their usual fishing ground; which,
we understand, is in about thirty-five fathoms water. Your
excellency, I am confident, will receive this communication as an
additional mark of attention from my commander in chief to the
inhabitants of Cadiz and it's environs; and will take measures for
the information of the fishermen that their boats will be sunk, if
found acting in contradiction to this notification of the British
admiral. With every sincere good wish towards your excellency,
believe me, your most obedient,
"Horatio Nelson."
This seems the prelude of augmented precaution, and a more rigid
adherence to the closeness of the blockade. It was usual to send,
nightly, a guard of one or two boats, manned and armed, from each ship,
into the very mouth of the harbour. These were supported by some
gun-boats, purposely fitted for the occasion; and which, in case of
attack, depended for their own protection on the interior line of ships
under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson. With a view to
enforce a strict attention throughout all the inferior branches of the
service, the rear-admiral was accustomed to be rowed, in his barge,
through these guard-boats, after they had been duly stationed for the
night. Thus officers and men were kept constantly in a state of
alertness; and ready to repel any attack which might be meditated
against them from the blockaded port itself. The Spaniards, too, had
equipped a number of gun-boats and large launches, in which they also
rowed guard during the night, to prevent any nearer approach of the
blockaders; who might, otherwise, they feared, suddenly annoy their
fleet. On these occasions, they sometimes approached each other; and
several little skirmishes had occurred, but none of any importance.
As the Spaniards seemed to be perpetually increasing the number of these
gun-boats and armed launches, the British commander in chief thought it
necessary to give them a timely check. So that, notwithstanding the
occasional civilities of their epistolary correspondence, such are
often the necessary deceptions of war, that hostilities were, perhaps,
all the time, meditating by both parties. Certain it is, that on the
night of the 3d of July, only three days after the date of the above
letter, Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson received orders actually to
bombard Cadiz, without any polite intimation to the ladies of that city
of the real danger which now awaited them.
His letter to the commander in chief, on this occasion, will inform the
reader how far it was successful.
"Theseus, July 4, 1797.
"SIR,
"In obedience to your orders, the Thunder bomb was placed, by the
good management of Lieutenant Gomley, her present commander,
assisted by Mr. Jackson, master of the Ville de Paris, who
volunteered his able services, within two thousand five hundred
yards of the walls of Cadiz; and the shells were thrown from her,
with much precision, under the direction of Lieutenant Baynes of
the Royal Artillery. But, unfortunately, it was soon found, that
the large mortar was materially injured, from it's former services;
I therefore judged it proper to order her to return, under the
protection of the Goliah, Terpsichore, and Fox; which were kept
under sail for that purpose, and for whose active services I feel
much obliged.
"The Spaniards having sent out a great number of mortar and
gun-boats, and armed launches, I directed a vigorous attack to be
made on them; which was done with such gallantry, that they were
drove and pursued close to the walls of Cadiz, and must have
suffered considerable loss: and I have the pleasure to inform you,
that two mortar-boats, and an armed launch, remain in our
possession.
"I feel myself particularly indebted, for the successful
termination of this contest, to the gallantry of Captains
Freemantle and Miller, the former of whom accompanied me in my
barge: and to my coxswain, John Sykes; who, in defending my person,
is severely wounded, as was Captain Freemantle, slightly, in the
attack: and my praises are, generally, due to every officer and
man; some of whom I saw behave in the most noble manner, and I
regret that it is not in my power to particularize them.
"I must also beg to be permitted to express my admiration of Don
Miguel Tyrason, the commander of the Spanish gun-boats. In his
barge, he laid my boat alongside, and his resistance was such as to
honour a brave officer; eighteen of the twenty-six being killed,
and himself and all the rest wounded.
"Not having a correct list of our killed and wounded, I can only
state that, I believe, about six are killed, and twenty wounded.
"I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant,
"Horatio Nelson."
The encounter so modestly described in the above letter, was one of the
sharpest conflicts in which the heroic writer had ever been engaged. Sir
Horatio fought, hand to hand, with the Spanish commandant; and, though
the crew of his own barge consisted only of himself, Captain Freemantle,
the coxswain, and ten bargemen, they killed or wounded the whole of the
twenty-six men, with the commandant, who were in the Spanish armed
launch. Never, indeed, had the rear-admiral been in a more perilous
state. It was always his opinion, that he would probably have lost his
life, if his brave and most faithful coxswain, John Sykes, whose name
deserves to be coexistent with that of Nelson, had not wilfully
interposed his own head to save him from the blow of a Spanish sabre,
which this generous man plainly perceived must otherwise prove fatal to
his beloved master; and, though the poor fellow thus readily received
the diverted stroke, it inflicted on his skull a very dangerous wound,
which was for some time thought to be incurable. Even before this
unexampled proof of attachment, had that worthy and gallant man saved
Sir Horatio, more than once during the conflict, from the dangerous
blows of his numerous assailants; several of whom Sykes, as well as his
master, had mortally wounded.
Sir John Jervis, in his letter to the Admiralty, on this occasion, dated
the 5th of July 1797, gives the handsomest and the highest possible
encomium to Rear-Admiral Nelson.
"The rear-admiral," says he, "who is always present in the most arduous
enterprises, with the assistance of some other barges, boarded and
carried two of the enemy's gun-boats, and a barge-launch belonging to
some of their ships of war, with the commandant of the flotilla.
Rear-Admiral Nelson's actions speak for themselves; any praise of mine
would fall very short of his merit!"
A second and more effectual bombardment of the city of Cadiz, and the
shipping in the harbour, under the direction of Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio
Nelson, took place on the evening of the 5th of July. The bomb vessels,
arranged by his instructions, suddenly opened a most tremendous
discharge on the town, as well as on the fleet; which was vigorously
kept up, till they had expended the whole of their allotted portion of
shells: when, having greatly annoyed the enemy, and considerably
diminished the force of the warlike preparations which had been
collecting, they retired in good order, without themselves receiving the
smallest injury.
Even these hostile attacks, however, do not appear to have extinguished
civilities between the contending commanders, though they must certainly
have diminished their satisfaction at receiving them.
Two or three days after, thirty Spanish prisoners having been taken in a
ship from the Havannah, with the captain of a Spanish frigate which had
been burnt there, and who was a passenger in the captured vessel,
Rear-Admiral Nelson wrote a letter to Don Josef Mazerendo, dated on
board the Theseus, July 8, 1797; in which he says, that he is directed,
by Sir John Jervis, to acquaint his excellency that these thirty men are
at liberty to return into Cadiz, whenever he may be pleased to send for
them, on condition that they do not serve till regularly exchanged. Of
the Spanish captain, taken as a passenger, he generously adds--"I know
it to be my commander in chief's intention, that he should not be
considered as a prisoner of war. The distresses occasioned by the known
laws of war," liberally concludes this exalted man, "are miserable
enough, without adding to them!"
The prisoners, accordingly, were immediately sent for; but there seems
to have been a backwardness in the Spanish admiral's performance of the
conditions proposed: and, on the 10th, Rear-Admiral Nelson resolutely
demanded them again, that they might be immediately sent to England, if
they were not received as prisoners of war; which, at length, was
reluctantly agreed to.
It appears that, about this time, intelligence had been received, by the
commander in chief, of a prodigiously rich ship, El Principe d'Asturias,
belonging to the Philippine Company, and bound from Manilla to Cadiz,
being then in the port of Santa Cruz, the capital of the island of
Teneriffe; where the treasure was intended to be landed for security, as
had previously been the case with several other rich cargoes. With a
view of obtaining possession of these valuable treasures, an expedition
against that place was determined on, under the conduct of Rear-Admiral
Sir Horatio Nelson.
He was accordingly detached, by Sir John Jervis, on the 15th of July,
with three ships of the line, the Theseus, Culloden, and Zealous; the
Terpsichore, Emerald, and Seahorse, frigates; and the Fox cutter. These
were afterwards joined by the Leander of fifty guns. The general orders
which Sir Horatio Nelson received were, to make a vigorous and spirited
attack; but, on no account, personally to land with the forces, which
were to be under the command of Captain Troubridge, unless his presence
should be absolutely necessary. These particular injunctions were
generally thought to have been most humanely given, by the commander in
chief, for the sake of preserving the valuable life of the rear-admiral;
which might, otherwise, from his known disregard of danger, be too much
exposed: and some also ascribed them to the wish of giving Captain
Troubridge a considerable share in the glory of that intended brilliant
enterprise.
The plan of this expedition was contrived with all that masterly address
and precision which ever marked the operations projected by the
judicious and gallant rear-admiral; and, as the author is favoured with
the opportunity of giving them in detail, the principles which they
comprise may be adopted, perhaps, with deserved success, by other
commanders, on many future occasions.
The first order issued by Rear-Admiral Nelson was addressed to Thomas
Troubridge, Esq. captain of his majesty's ship Culloden, and commander
of the forces ordered to be landed for taking Santa Cruz.
"Theseus,
at Sea, July 20, 1797.
"SIR,
"I desire you will take under your command the number of seamen and
marines named in the margin, who will be under the command of
Captains Hood, Freemantle, Bowen, Miller, and Waller, and the
marines under the command of Captain Thomas Oldfield, and a
detachment of the Royal Artillery under the command of Lieutenant
Baynes; all of whom are now embarked on board his majesty's
frigates Seahorse, Terpsichore, and Emerald. With this detachment,
you will proceed as near to the town of Santa Cruz as possible,
without endangering your being perceived; when you will embark as
many men as the boats will carry, and force your landing in the
north-east part of the bay of Santa Cruz, near a large battery;
which, when carried, and your post secured, you will either proceed
by storm against the town and mole-head battery, or send in my
letter, as you judge most proper, containing a summons, of which I
send you a copy, and the terms are either to be accepted or
rejected in the time specified, unless you see good cause for
prolonging it, as no alteration will be made in them: and you will
pursue such other methods as you judge most proper for speedily
effecting my orders; which are, to possess myself of all cargoes
and treasures which may be landed in the island of Teneriffe.
Having the firmest confidence in the ability, bravery, and zeal, of
yourself, and all placed under your command, I have only to
heartily wish you success; and to assure you, that I am your most
obedient and faithful servant,
"Horatio Nelson."
The number of seamen and marines mentioned in the margin of the above
letter were--Theseus, Culloden, and Zealous, two hundred each; Seahorse,
Terpsichore, and Emerald, one hundred each: making, in all, nine
hundred, exclusive of officers and their servants.
The Summons alluded to, addressed to the Governor or Commanding Officer
of Santa Cruz, was as follows.
"_By Sir Horatio Nelson, Knight of the Most Honourable Order of the
Bath, Rear-Admiral of the Blue, and Commander in Chief of His
Britannic Majesty's Forces by Sea and Land, before Santa Cruz._
"Theseus, 20th July 1797.
"SIR,
"I have the honour to acquaint you, that I am come here to demand
the immediate surrender of the ship El Principe d'Asturias, from
Manilla, bound to Cadiz, belonging to the Phillipine Company,
together with her whole and entire cargo; and, also, all such other
cargoes and property as may have been landed in the island of
Teneriffe, and not intended for the consumption of it's
inhabitants.
"And, as it is my earnest wish, that not one individual inhabitant
of the island of Teneriffe should suffer by my demand being
instantly complied with, I offer the following most honourable and
liberal terms; which, if refused, the horrors of war, which will
fall on the inhabitants of Teneriffe, must be, by the world,
imputed to you, and to you only: for I shall destroy Santa Cruz,
and the other towns in the island, by a bombardment, and levy a
very heavy contribution on the island.
"ARTICLE I.
"The forts shall be delivered to me; and, instantly, a party of the
British troops shall be put in possession of the gates.
"ARTICLE II.
"The garrison shall lay down their arms, but the officers shall be
allowed to keep their swords; and the garrison, without the
condition of being prisoners of war, shall be transported to Spain,
or remain in the island while their conduct is orderly and proper,
as the commanding officer pleases.
"ARTICLE III.
"On the express condition, that the full and entire cargoes of the
El Principe d'Asturias, and all such other cargoes and property as
may have been landed on the island of Teneriffe, and not intended
for the consumption of it's inhabitants, be given up, and the first
article complied with, not the smallest contribution shall be
levied on the inhabitants, but they shall enjoy the fullest
protection in their persons and property.
"ARTICLE IV.
"No interference whatever shall be made in the holy catholic
religion; the ministers of it, and all it's religious orders, shall
be considered as under my especial care and protection.
"ARTICLE V.
"The laws and magistrates shall be continued as at present, unless
by the general wish of the islanders.
"These terms subscribed to, the inhabitants of the town of Santa
Cruz shall lodge their arms in one house, under the joint care of
the bishop and chief magistrate; and it will be my pride to consult
with these gentlemen what may be most advantageous for the
inhabitants.
"Horatio Nelson."
"I allow half of one hour for acceptance or rejection.
"Horatio Nelson."
These articles being transmitted to Captain Troubridge, special orders
were sent, the same day, to Captain Thomas Oldfield, senior captain of
the marines ordered to disembark; and to Lieutenant Baynes, of the
Royal Artillery; directing them to attend, respectively, to all the
desires of Captain Thomas Troubridge, who was to command all the forces
landed for taking the town of Santa Cruz. To the latter officer, a copy
of the third article of the following regulations was, at the same time,
particularly addressed.
_"Regulations recommended by Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson_.
"1.
"That each ship's boats should be kept together, by towing each
other, which will keep the people of each ship collected; and the
boats will be in six divisions, and nearly get on shore at the same
moment.
"2.
"The marines of each ship of the line to be put in their
launches--which will carry them.
"3.
"The moment the boats are discovered, by a firing being made on
them, the bomb vessel to commence her fire on the town, and to keep
it up till the flag of truce is hoisted from either the enemy or
from us.
"4.
"That a captain should be directed to see the boats put off from
the beach, that more men may be speedily got on shore with the
field pieces.
"5.
"Frigates to anchor as soon as possible after the alarm is given,
or the forces ashore near the battery in the north-east part of the
bay.
"6.
"Immediately as the forces get ashore, they are to get in the rear
of the battery marked S, in the north-east part of the bay, and to
instantly storm it; and, also, to take post on the top of the hill
which is above it.
"Every ship to land the number of men as against their names
expressed, with a proper proportion of officers, exclusive of
commissioned officers and servants--[as stated in the letter to
Captain Troubridge]--and the captains are at liberty to send as
many more men as they please; leaving sufficient to manage the
ship, and to man the launch and another boat. Every captain, that
chuses, is at liberty to land and command his seamen, under the
command of Captain Troubridge.
"It is recommended to put as many marine coats or jackets on the
seamen as can be procured; and, that all should have canvas crop
belts.
"The marines to be all under the direction of Captain Oldfield, the
senior marine officer: and he is directed to put himself under the
direction of Captain Troubridge; as is Lieutenant Baynes of the
Royal Artillery, with his detachment."
To these general regulations were added the following particular
instructions--
"Theseus, July 21, 1797.
"The Culloden's officers and men, with only their arms, to be ready
to go on board the Terpsichore, at one P.M. this day. To carry with
them four ladders--each of which to have a lanyard four fathoms
long--a sledge hammer, wedges, and a broad axe.
"The boats oars to be muffled with either a piece of canvas or
kersey.
"Horatio Nelson.
"Memorandum--The Culloden and Zealous to each make a platform for
one eighteen pounder, the Theseus to make a sley for dragging
cannon.
"Each ship to make as many iron ramrods as possible; it being found
that the wooden ones are very liable to break, when used in a
hurry.
"The Seahorse to make a platform for one nine pounder."
The whole plan of proceedings being thus judiciously arranged, the
attempt was commenced with every hope of success: but it turned out,
that a very erroneous representation had been given of the forces of the
enemy, which appear to have been far too numerous for so small a body of
men successfully to encounter; and, indeed, there were other unexpected
difficulties and disappointments.
The following letter, from Captain Troubridge to Sir Horatio Nelson,
will account, in a considerable degree, for the miscarriage of the
enterprise.
"Culloden, 25th July 1797.
"SIR,
"From the darkness of the night, I did not immediately hit the
mole, the spot appointed to land at; but pushed on shore under the
enemy's batteries, close to the southward of the citadel. Captain
Waller landed at the same instant, and two or three other boats.
The surf was so high, many put back. The boats were full of water
in an instant, and stove against the rocks; and most of the
ammunition in the men's pouches was wet.
"As soon as I collected a few men, I immediately pushed, with
Captain Waller, for the square, the place of rendezvous, in hopes
of there meeting you and the remainder of the people, and waited
about an hour; during which time, I sent a serjeant, with two
gentlemen of the town, to summons the citadel. I fear, the serjeant
was shot on his way, as I heard nothing of him afterwards.
"The ladders being all lost in the surf, or not to be found, no
immediate attempt could be made on the citadel. I, therefore,
marched to join Captains Hood and Miller; who, I had intelligence,
had made good their landing to the south-west of the place I did,
with a body of men. I endeavoured, then, to procure some
intelligence of you, and the rest of the officers, without success.
"By day-break, we had collected about eighty marines, eighty
pikemen, and one hundred and eighty small-arm seamen. These, I
found, were all that were alive, that had made good their landing.
With this force, having procured some ammunition from the Spanish
prisoners we had made, we were marching to try what could be done
with the citadel without ladders: but found the whole of the
streets commanded by field-pieces; and upwards of eight thousand
Spaniards, and one hundred French, under arms, approaching by every
avenue. As the boats were all stove, and I saw no possibility of
getting more men on shore, the ammunition wet, and no provisions, I
sent Captain Hood with a flag of truce to the governor, to say I
was prepared to burn the town; which I should immediately put in
force, if he approached one inch farther: and, at the same time, I
desired Captain Hood to say, it would be done with regret, as I had
no wish to injure the inhabitants; and that, if he would come to my
terms, I was ready to treat. These he readily agreed to: a copy of
which I have the honour to send you by Captain Waller; which, I
hope, will meet your approbation, and appear highly honourable.
"From the small body of men, and the greater part being pike and
small-arm seamen, which can be only called irregular, with very
little ammunition in the pouches but what was wet in the surf at
landing, I could not expect to succeed in any attempt on the enemy,
whose superior strength I have before mentioned.
"The Spanish officers assure me, they expected us, and were
perfectly prepared with all the batteries, and the number of men I
have before mentioned under arms; which, with the great
disadvantages of a rocky coast, high surf, and in the face of forty
pieces of cannon, though we were not successful, will shew what an
Englishman is equal to. I have the pleasure to acquaint you, that
we marched through the town, on our return, with the British
colours flying at our head.
"I have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir, your most
obedient humble servant,
"Thomas Troubridge.
"P.S. I beg to say that, when the terms were signed and ratified,
the governor, in the handsomest manner, sent a large proportion of
wine, bread, &c. to refresh the people, and shewed every mark of
attention in his power."
When the treaty just mentioned was first proposed to the Spanish
governor, he told Captain Hood that they ought to surrender as prisoners
of war: to which he replied, that Captain Troubridge had directed him to
say that, if the terms offered were not accepted in five minutes, he
would set the town on fire, and attack the Spaniards at the point of the
bayonet; on which, the governor instantly closed, by signing the
following treaty--
"Santa Cruz, 25th July 1797.
"That the troops, &c. belonging to his Britannic majesty, shall
embark, with all their arms of every kind; and take their boats
off, if saved, and be provided with such other as may be wanting.
In consideration of which, it is engaged, on their part, that they
shall not molest the town, in any manner, by the ships of the
British squadron now before it, or any of the islands in the
Canaries, and prisoners shall be given up on both sides.
"Given under my hand, and word of honour,
"Samuel Hood.
"Ratified by--
"Thomas Troubridge, Commander of the British Troops.
"Juan Antonio Gutierrez, Commandant General de las Islas
Canarias."
The next public document relative to this unfortunate expedition, it was
the melancholy lot of the rear-admiral to pen with the left hand, his
right arm having been shot off on the evening of the 24th, for the
information of the commander in chief, to whom it was immediately
transmitted.
"Theseus,
off Santa Cruz,
27th July 1797.
"SIR,
"In obedience to your orders to make a vigorous attack on the town
of Santa Cruz, in the island of Teneriffe, I directed, from the
ships under my command, a thousand men, including marines, to be
prepared for landing, under the direction of Captain Troubridge of
his majesty's ship Culloden; and Captains Hood, Thompson,
Freemantle, Bowen, Miller, and Waller, who very handsomely
volunteered their services: and, although I am under the painful
necessity of acquainting you, that we have not been able to succeed
in our attack, yet it is my duty to state that, I believe, more
daring intrepidity never was shewn, than by the captains, officers,
and men, you did me the honour to place under my command; and the
Journal which I transmit you herewith will, I hope, convince you,
that my abilities, humble as they are, have been exerted on the
occasion.
"Inclosed, I also transmit you a list of killed and wounded; and,
among the former, it is with the deepest sorrow I have to place the
name of Captain Richard Bowen, of his majesty's ship
Terpsichore--than whom, a more enterprising, able, and gallant
officer, does not grace his majesty's naval service: and, with
great regret, I have to mention the loss of Lieutenant John Gibson,
commander of the Fox Cutter; and a great number of gallant officers
and men.
"I have the honour to be, Sir, with the greatest respect, your most
faithful and obedient servant,
"Horatio Nelson."
The Journal mentioned in this letter, as written by the rear-admiral,
with his left hand, and transmitted to Sir John Jervis, was as follows.
It is remarkable, that neither the letter, nor this Journal, make the
smallest mention of his having lost his arm on the occasion; which
information merely occurs in the list of the killed and wounded. This
singular mode of omitting to particularise himself, forms a curious
trait in the character of the immortal hero.
_A Detail of the Proceedings of the Expedition against the Town of
Santa Cruz, in the Island of Teneriffe._