ately a prize to Commodore Nelson, who headed the party that boarded her from the San Nicholas. In the mean time Sir John Jervis ordered the Victory to be placed on the lee quarter of the rearmost ship of the enemy, the Salvador del Mundo; and threw in so effectual a discharge, that her commander seeing the Barfleur, carrying Vice-Admiral Waldegrave’s flag, bearing down to second the Victory, thought proper to strike.
Thus four of the enemy’s ships were in possession of the British; while the van ships continued to press hard on the Santissima Trinidada, and the others, which composed the rear of the flying fleet. The career of victory was, however, stopped by circumstances not in the power of the British Commander to control. The ships, which in the morning had been separated from the main body of the Spanish fleet, were now able to make their approach; two fresh vessels, also, which had not appeared in the action bore down[1], and two of the flying ships tacked to support their chief. These circumstances, therefore, with the lateness of the hour, and the necessity of securing the prizes, determined the conquering Admiral to bring to. A little after 4, P.M., the signal was made to this effect; and a strong line was formed for the protection of the prizes and disabled vessels. The enemy’s fresh ships, on approaching, opened a fire on the covering vessels; but though superior in number, and fresh for action, they contented themselves with a few irregular broadsides, and left the British Admiral to sail off triumphantly with his prizes. The judicious close of this glorious action evinces the judgment of Sir John Jervis to have been equal to his valour; for had the signal to bring to been delayed even five minutes longer, the prizes must not only have remained very insecure, but possibly, with Commodore Nelson’s ship, might have fallen into the hands of the enemy. Owing to the situation of both the fleets, the British ships could not have formed without abandoning the prizes, and running to leeward, the enemy at this time having at least eighteen or nineteen ships that had sustained very little damage. At this period the Captain was lying a perfect wreck on board the San Nicolas and San
