till we weather the Point of Carnero, in order that if the enemy
should get under sail, and find themselves in a situation to
offer battle to our squadron before it is formed in the Straits
with the line abreast as above directed, we may engage them with
advantage; consequently, the least inattention or delay may
produce the most unfortunate consequences.

I think the captains of the ships I have the honour to command
are fully persuaded of this truth, and therefore I depend upon
its efficacy; and I flatter myself that they are convinced
everything will be performed on my part which can be inspired by
my wish to add to the glory of his Majesty's arms, that of our
corps in particular, and the nation in general.

Line of battle in natural order.

_2nd Squadron._ _1st Squadron._ _3rd Squadron._
St. Ferdinand, Formidable, Argonauta,
St. Antonio, R. Carlos, Dessaix,
Hermenegildo. Indomptable. St. Augustin.

Fr. frigate Sabina, Vautour.

A red pendant, under any other signal, signifies it is directed
to the French ships only.

To those conversant in naval affairs, it must appear manifest
that the disposition made by Admirals Moreno and Linois was one
of the worst that could be devised. It was scarcely possible
that nine ships, which had never sailed in company with each
other, could maintain, for any length of time, a line abreast
before the wind so exactly as to be able to form in a line ahead
when required, especially in a dark night with a strong breeze;
and it must be evident that any ship which advanced at all ahead
of the others could never get into the line of battle when the
signal was made to form it on either tack. Moreno seems to have
been fully aware of the probability of the ships firing into
each other, yet he made arrangements of all others the least
likely to prevent it. Had he formed into two lines ahead, with
the disabled ships in advance, he would have obviated the risk
of firing into each other, while the one division, by shortening
sail, might have given timely assistance to the other which had
been attacked.

Nothing can equal the scene of horror which the sudden
conflagration produced in these two ships. The collision in
which the fore-top-mast of the Hermenegildo fell on board of the
Real Carlos, added to the general dismay