ded in engaging the
enemy; and, as we came up, a three-deck ship hauling up for us
after having fired at the Superb, by some accident, in the
moment we were going to give her our broadside, took fire, which
communicating to a ship which we perceived close to her, both
were almost instantly in a blaze. So awful a scene I never yet
have witnessed. We then closed with the Superb, which had nearly
silenced her opponent, when she struck.

Think what a change then took place in the inequality of force
with which we began the action! I left the Superb to take care
of the prize, and proceeded after the other ships; the Audacious
and Spencer having now joined. It came on to blow excessively
hard till daylight, when I found the Venerable and Thames a
small distance ahead, and one of the French ships standing for
the shore. We immediately crowded all sail, and made sure of
taking her, when the wind failed us, and the Venerable only was
able to engage her; but, being at the time close to the shore,
she very unfortunately got aground, and we were obliged to leave
her, after sustaining very great damage.

We are now about seven leagues from Cadiz, and I see the
remainder of the enemy's squadron going into port. I am as yet
ignorant of the ship's name that struck her colours last night.
She is, however, one of those that came from Cadiz with the
Spanish squadron, but under French colours, and had a broad
pendant. We are proceeding to Gibraltar.

The following extract is from a letter to Richard Saumarez, Esq.:

Caesar, off Cadiz, 13th July 1801.

I intend to send Phil. D. with my despatches. You must refer to
him for the particulars of the wonderful events since yesterday.

After detailing these events exactly as in the above, he adds,
respecting the Venerable:

It was as severe an action as I have known, and must reflect the
highest credit on Captain Hood; but having his main-mast shot
away, and it falling nearly calm, he was obliged to leave the
enemy. We were at this time close to the shoals off the coast,
on which the Venerable got aground; but she was afterwards got
off, and was taken in tow by the Thames. I fear she has
sustained great loss in men. What a surprising change, my dear
Richard, to the events of last Monday! To the Divine mercy I
entirely ascribe this signal success, who never forsakes those
who pl