_A Detail of the Proceedings of the Expedition against the Town of
Santa Cruz, in the Island of Teneriffe._

BY REAR-ADMIRAL NELSON.

"On Friday the 21st inst. I directed to be embarked, on board the
Seahorse, Terpsichore, and Emerald frigates, one thousand
men--including two hundred and fifty men under the command of
Captain Thomas Oldfield--the whole commanded by Captain Troubridge;
attended by all the boats of the squadron, scaling ladders, and
every implement which I thought necessary for the success of the
enterprise. I directed that the boats should land, in the night,
between the fort on the north-east side of the Bay of Santa Cruz
and the town, and endeavour to make themselves masters of that
fort; which, when done, to send in my summons: the liberal terms of
which, I am confident, you will approve. Though the frigates
approached within three miles of the place of debarkation, by
twelve o'clock; yet, from the unforeseen circumstance of a strong
gale of wind in the offing, and a strong current against them in
shore, they did not approach within a mile of the landing-place
when the day dawned, which discovered to the Spaniards our force
and intentions.

"On my approach with the line of battle ships, Captains Troubridge
and Bowen, with Captain Oldfield of the marines, came on board, to
consult with me what was best to be done; and were of opinion, if
they could possess the heights, over the fort before mentioned,
that it could be stormed. To which, I gave my assent; and directed
the line of battle ships to batter the fort, in order to create a
diversion. But, this was found impracticable; not being able to get
nearer the shore than three miles, from a calm, and contrary
currents: nor could our men possess themselves of the heights, as
the enemy had taken possession of them, and seemed as anxious to
retain as we to get them. Thus foiled in my original plan, I
considered it for the honour of our king and country, not to give
over the attempt to possess ourselves of the town; that our enemies
might be convinced there is nothing that Englishmen are not equal
to: and, confident in the bravery of those who would be employed in
the service, I embarked every person from the shore on the 22nd at
night.

"On the 24th, I got the shi