BATTLE OFF CAPE ST. VINCENT.
“The year of mutinies” was not altogether inglorious to the British navy. It was proposed by the republic that the fleets of Holland and Spain should join the French fleet at Brest, and that the whole armada should bear down for the coast of England. In order to frustrate this design, Sir John Jervis was directed to blockade the port of Cadiz, while Admiral Duncan was sent to watch the Dutch in the Texel. Sir John Jervis fell in with the great Spanish fleet, under the command of Don José de Cordova, off Cape St. Vincent, The Spanish fleet consisted of twenty-seven sail of the line, and the English of only fifteen; but the greater part of the Spanish crews were inexperienced, and Nelson was with the English admiral, so that there was no hesitation in engaging. Four Spanish ships of the line were captured, and all the rest were driven into Cadiz, and there blockaded. Intelligence of this victory occasioned great joy throughout the nation; and while the fleet was honoured with the thanks of both houses of parliament, Sir John Jervis was created Earl St. Vincent; Nelson was invested with the order of the Bath; Captain Robert Calder was knighted; and gold medals and chains were presented to all the captains. The victory was due to the prompt and daring conduct of Nelson, whose watchword, as he went into the battle, was “Westminster Abbey or victory.”