ck which curves outward and forms
a kind of harbour. I remarked the Spanish arms on the centre of it, and on
inquiry I found it had been placed there by Charles the Fifth when he
landed and took possession of the town.

On the morning of the third day we were under sail for Carthagena. On
nearing the harbour, which is strongly fortified by an island at its
mouth, we discovered two Spanish ships of the line at anchor, but so close
under the island that it was impossible to make any impression on them.
The next day they removed into the harbour and struck their top-masts. We
cruised between Capes di Gata and Palos for a fortnight, occasionally
looking into Carthagena to see if the Spaniards would take the hint.
Finding all our wishes and hints fruitless, we left a frigate and a brig
sloop to watch their motions and shaped our course for Gibraltar. Near the
small island of Alberaw we fell in with two frigates convoying twenty sail
of levanters, the commodore of which called me brother-in-law. As the wind
was light I had permission to spend the day on board his frigate, where I
partook of an Italian dinner, more shadow than substance, and after coffee
I repaired on board my own ship, where I ordered something substantial to
eat, as the Italian dinner had provoked a good appetite. We anchored at
old Gib four days afterwards, and were ordered to refit with all
expedition and join once more Admiral Collingwood off Cadiz, where the
French and Spanish fleets still remained and were apparently ready for
sea.

CHAPTER XVI.

BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR.

Join Lord Nelson's squadron--Battle of Trafalgar--Author's
experiences--Occurrences during action--Severity of operations
before the use of anaesthetics--The _Tonnant's_ casualty
list--Proceed to Gibraltar--A truce with Spain during horse races on
neutral ground there.

In a week's time we formed one of the squadron, and shortly after were
joined by fourteen sail of the line under Lord Nelson. The salutation was
heartfelt and most gratifying. The dispositions of the fleet were soon
made, and as they were as simple as possible, there could be no mistake. A
cordon of frigates were ordered to repeat signals to us from the one
nearest the shore, whilst we kept nearly out of sight of the land, and all
our ships' sides were ordered to be painted yellow with black st