him an opportunity of observing this manoeuvre, and of frustrating the Spanish admiral’s intention.  His ship, the Captain, had no sooner passed the rear of the enemy’s ships that were to windward, than he ordered her to wear, and stood on the other tack towards the enemy.

“In executing this bold, and decisive manoeuvre, the commodore reached the sixth ship from the enemy’s rear, which was the Spanish admiral’s flag, the Santissima Trinidada, of one hundred and thirty-six guns; a ship of four decks, and said to be the largest in the world.  Notwithstanding the inequality of force, the commodore instantly engaged this colossal opponent; and, for a considerable time, had to contend not only with her, but with her seconds ahead and astern, of three decks each.  While he maintained this unequal combat, which was viewed with admiration, mixed with anxiety, his friends were flying to his support:  and the enemy’s attention was soon directed to the Culloden, Captain Troubridge; and, in a short time after, to the Blenheim, of ninety guns, Captain Frederick; who, very opportunely, came to his assistance.

“The intrepid conduct of the commodore staggered the Spanish admiral, who already appeared to waver in pursuing his intention of joining the ships cut off by the British fleet; when the Culloden’s arrival, and Captain Troubridge’s spirited support of the Captain, together with the approach of the Blenheim, followed by Rear-Admiral Parker, with the Prince George, Orion, Irresistible, and Diadem, not far distant, determined the Spanish admiral to change his design altogether, and to make the signal for the ships of his main body to haul their wind, and make sail on the larboard tack.

“Advantage was now apparent, in favour of the British squadron, and not a moment was lost in improving it.  As the ships of Rear-Admiral Parker’s division approached the enemy’s ships, in support of the Captain, and her gallant seconds, the Blenheim and Culloden, the cannonade became more animated and impressive.  The superiority of the British fire over that of the enemy, and it’s effects on the enemy’s hulls and sails, were so evident, that there was no longer any hesitation in pronouncing a glorious termination of the contest.

“The British squadron, at this time, was formed in two divisions, both on the larboard tack:  Rear-Admiral Parker, with the Blenheim, Culloden, Prince George, Captain, Orion, and Irresistible, composed one division, which was engaged with the enemy’s rear; Sir John Jervis, with the other division, consisting of the Excellent, Victory, Barfleur, Namur, Egmont, Goliah, and Britannia, was pressing forward in support of his advanced squadron, but had not yet approached the real scene of action.

“While the British advanced division warmly pressed the enemy’s centre and rear, the admiral meditated, with his division, a co-operation