At 11h 26’ A.M., the Admiral communicated his intention to pass through the Spanish fleet, the main body of which was bearing down in some confusion to join the ships that had been first seen; and immediately the signal was made to engage. At about 11h 30’ the action commenced by the Culloden firing against the enemy’s headmost ships to windward; as the squadron advanced, however, the battle became more general; and it was soon apparent, that Sir John Jervis had accomplished his design. In the mean time, the regular and animated fire of the British squadron was but feebly returned by the enemy’s ships to windward, which were also completely prevented from joining their companions to leeward, and obliged to haul their wind on the larboard tack. Thus a part of the Spanish fleet was effectually cut off from the main body, and they were reduced to the necessity of also forming on the same tack, apparently with the intention of passing through, or to leeward of the British line; but such was the reception they experienced, that they were obliged to put about, and did not appear again in the action till the close of the day.
Sir John Jervis having thus fortunately obtained his first object, now directed his whole attention to the enemy’s main body to windward; which was reduced at this time, by the separation of the ships to leeward, to eighteen sail of the line. At a little after twelve o’clock, the signal was made for the British fleet to tack in succession; and soon after, the signal for again passing the enemy’s line; while the Spanish Admiral’s design appeared to be, to join his ships to leeward, by wearing round the rear of the British squadron. The intention of the enemy was, however, soon perceived by Commodore Nelson, whose station in the rear afforded him an opportunity of observing the manoeuvre. In order to frustrate the design, therefore, his ship had no sooner passed the Spanish rear, than he wore and stood on the other tack, towards the enemy.
rejoined the fleet, but the others were not able to do so till the close of the ensuing battle.
