frigate, that I might the better
distribute my orders; and when the ships were destroyed and the
squadron in safety, I came here, my own ship being totally
disabled; she lost her last mast in the gale. All the northern
boys, and Graydon, are alive; Kennicott has a dangerous wound in
his shoulder; Thompson is wounded in the arm, and just at the
conclusion of the action his leg was broken by a splinter;
little Charles is unhurt, but we have lost a good many
youngsters. For myself, I am in so forlorn a state, my servants
killed, my luggage, what is left, is on board the _Sovereign_,
and Clavell[16] wounded. I have appointed Sir Peter Parker's[17]
grandson, and Captain Thomas, my old lieutenant, post captains;
Clavell, and the first lieutenant of the _Victory_, made
commanders; but I hope the Admiralty will do more for them, for
in the history of our Navy there is no instance of a victory so
complete and so great. The ships that escaped into Cadiz are
wrecks; and they have neither stores nor inclination to refit
them. I shall now go, as soon as I get a sufficient squadron
equipped, and see what I can do with the Carthagenians; if I can
get at them, the naval war will be finished in this country.
Prize-money I shall get little or none for this business, for
though the loss of the enemy may be estimated at near four
millions, it is most of it gone to the bottom. Don Argemoso, who
was formerly captain of the _Isedro_, commanded the _Monarca_,
one of our captures; he sent to inform me he was in the
_Leviathan_, and I immediately ordered, for our old acquaintance
sake, his liberty on parole. All the Spaniards speak of us in
terms of adoration; and Villeneuve, whom I had in the frigate,
acknowledges that they cannot contend with us at sea. I do not
know what will be thought of it in England, but the effect here
is highly advantageous to the British name. Kind remembrances to
all my friends; I dare say your neighbour, Mr.---- will be
delighted with the history of the battle; if he had been in it,
it would have animated him more than all his daughter's
chemistry; it would have new strung his nerves, and made him
young again. God bless you, my dear sir, may you be ever happy;
it is very long since I heard from home.

I am, ever, your most truly affectionate,

CUTHBERT COLLINGWOOD