teen sail of the line, they on the larboard, we on the starboard 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 forming their line, going large, joined 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 effect, 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 SantissimaTrinidada, 126; San Josef, 112; Salvador del Mundo, 112; San Nicholas, 80; another first rate, and a 74, 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 above-mentioned to be the leewardmost and sternmost ships in their fleet. For near an hour, I believe, (but do not pretend to be correct as to time,) did the Culloden, and Captain, support this apparently, but not 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 Sanysidro, dropped astern, and were fired into, in a masterly style, by the Excellent, Captain Collingwood, who compelled the Sanysidro 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 okl friend and messmate, who was to appearance in a critical state; the Blenheim being a-head, the Culloden crippled and a-stern. The Excellent ranged up within two feet of the San Nicholas, giving a most tremendous fire. The San Nicholas luffing up, the San Josef fell on board her; and the Excellent passing on for the Santa 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 shot away, and incapable of further service in the line, or in chaee; I directed Captain Miller to put the helm a-starboard, and calling for the boarders, ordered them to board.
“The soldiers of the 69th, 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 very act of going also, but I directed him to remain); he was supported from our sprit-sail yard, which hooked in the mizen rigging. A soldier of the 69th regiment having broke the upper quarter-gallery window, I jumped in myself, and was followed by others as fast ak 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) fell, as retreating to the quarter-deck. I pushed immediately onwards for the quarter-deck, where I found