parent, that the British admiral had accomplished
his design of passing through the enemy's line.

"The animated and regular fire of the British squadron was but
feebly returned by the enemy's ships to windward; which, being
frustrated in their attempts to join the separated ships, had been
obliged to haul their wind on the larboard tack. Those to leeward,
and which were most effectually cut off from their main body,
attempted also to form on their larboard tack; apparently, with a
determination of either passing through, or to leeward of, our
line, and joining their friends: but the warm reception they met
with, from the centre ships of our squadron, soon obliged them to
put about; and, excepting one, the whole sought safety in flight,
and did not again appear in the action till the close of the day.
This single ship, which persevered in passing to leeward of the
British line, was so covered with smoke, that her intention was not
discovered till she had reached the rear: when she was not
permitted to pass without notice, but received the fire of our
sternmost ships; and, as she luffed round the rear, the Lively, and
other frigates, had also the honour of exchanging, with this
two-decker, several broadsides.

"Sir John Jervis having effected his first purpose, now directed
his whole attention to the enemy's main body to windward;
consisting, at this time, of eighteen sail of the line. At eight
minutes past twelve, the signal was therefore made for the British
fleet to tack in succession; and, soon after, the signal for again
passing the enemy's line.

"The Spanish admiral's plan seemed to be, to join his ships to
leeward, by wearing round the rear of our line; and the ships which
had passed, and exchanged shot, with our squadron, had actually
borne up with this view.

"This design, however, was frustrated by the timely opposition of
Commodore Nelson; whose station in the rear of the British line
afforded him an opportunity of observing this manoeuvre, and of
frustrating the Spanish admiral's intention. His ship, the Captain,
had no sooner passed the rear of the enemy's ships that were to
windward, than he ordered her to wear, and stood on the other tack
towards the enemy.

"In executing this bold, and decisive manoeuvre, the commodor