298] A TOPOGRAPHICAL 



ships first discovered by the Culloden were at this period sepa- 

 rated from their main body, which was bearing down in some con- 

 fusion to join the separated ships. It appeared to have been the 

 British Admiral's intention at the first, to cut off these vessels 

 from the enemy's fleet before the main body could arrive to their 

 assistance, and with this view the fast-sailing ships were ordered to 

 chase, but observing the near position of their main body, he after- 

 wards formed his fleet into a line of battle a-head and a-stern as 

 most convenient. At about twenty-six minutes past eleven, the Ad- 

 miral communicated his intention to pass through the enemy's line, 

 and immediately after the signal was made to engage. At about 

 half-past eleven, the action commenced by the van ship, the Cul- 

 loden, commanded by Captain Trowbridge, firing against the ene- 

 my's headmost ships to the windward. As the squadron advanced, 

 however, the action became more general ; and it was soon appa- 

 rent that the British Admiral had accomplished his design of pass- 

 ing through the enemy's line. In the mean time, the regular and 

 animated fire of the British fleet 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 their larboard tack, apparently 

 with the intention of passing through or to the leeward of the 

 British line; but such was the reception they experienced from the 

 centre of the British, that they were obliged to put about, and did 

 not appear again in the action till the close of the day. The Bri- 

 tish Admiral having thus fortunately obtained his first object, now 

 directed his whole attention to the enemy's main body to wind- 

 ward, 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 line. 

 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, the Captain, had no sooner 

 passed the Spanish rear, than he ordered her to wear, and 

 stand on the other tack towards the enemy. In executing 



