Before the enemy could form a regular order of battle, Sir J. Jervis, by
carrying a press of sail, came up with them, passed through their fleet,
then tacked, and thus cut off nine of their ships from the main body.
These ships attempted to form on the larboard tack, either with a design
of passing through the British line, or to leeward of it, and thus
rejoining their friends. Only one of them succeeded in this attempt; and
that only because she was so covered with smoke that her intention was
not discovered till she had reached the rear: the others were so warmly
received, that they put about, took to flight, and did not appear again
in the action to its close. The admiral was now able to direct his
attention to the enemy's main body, which was still superior in number
to his whole fleet, and greatly so in weight of metal. He made signal to
tack in succession. Nelson, whose station was in the rear of the British
line, perceived that the Spaniards were bearing up before the wind,
with an intention of forming their line, going large, and joining
their separated ships, or else of getting off without an engagement.
To prevent either of these schemes, he disobeyed the signal without
a moment's hesitation: and ordered his ship to be wore. This at once
brought him into action with the SANTISSIMA TRINIDAD, one hundred and
thirty-six; the SAN JOSEPH, one hundred and twelve; the SALVADOR DEL
MUNDO, one hundred and twelve; the SAN NICOLAS, eighty; the SAN ISIDRO,
seventy-four, another seventy-four, and another first-rate. Troubridge,
in the CULLODEN, immediately joined, and most nobly supported him; and
for nearly an hour did the CULLODEN and CAPTAIN maintain what Nelson
called "this apparently, but not really unequal contest;"--such was the
advantage of skill and discipline, and the confidence which brave men
derive from them. The BLENHEIM then passing between them and the enemy,
gave them a respite, and poured in her fire upon the Spaniards. The
SALVADOR DEL MUNDO and SAN ISIDRO dropped astern, and were fired into in
a masterly style by the EXCELLENT, Captain Collingwood. The SAN