We were, for above an hour, opposed to a three-decker, the Salvador del Mundo, which finally struck to this ship; we lowered the boat from the stern, and gave orders to Mr. Luce, the first lieutenant, to take possession of her; still making sail for the other ships, and following Admiral Parker in the Prince George. The Excellent, which had passed us to windward, had made a line-of-battle ship, the San Domingo, strike some time before this.
Several ships of the enemy were extremely shattered in their masts and sails; but, keeping up a warm fire on their ships, the Captain laid one of them, the San Nicolas, an eighty-four, on board, and hauled down her colours. A three-decker, the San Josef, wishing, I believe, to rescue the ship, got on board of her, and gave Commodore Nelson an opportunity of also hauling down her colours. His bravery on this occasion is above all praise.
The Namur and other ships had by this time joined the van, and engaged as they came up. I stood for a three-decker, which, after engaging some time, struck her colours: she first had showed a white flag, which, though I concluded to indicate a truce, was not satisfactory to myself, and we continued firing till they hoisted an English flag over the Spanish, on which we ceased firing.
The enemy's ships, many of which had not been in action, at this time came up and were forming to windward. The Admiral made the signal to wear and come to the wind on the starboard tack; wishing, I believe, to keep his squadron collected near the prizes, as well as the Captain, that was much disabled, besides the Colossus, which ship very unfortunately lost her fore-yard very early in the action. This ill-timed, but doubtless necessary manœuvre, lost us the additional triumph of having the Purissima Concepcion, to grace the ships already in our possession, and I experienced the regret of again seeing her resume the Spanish colours.
I have here related to you facts as they really occurred, and I believe all my officers will vouch for the authenticity of this account. I am happy to acquaint you that we have providentially lost no man in the action; eight only wounded, all doing well; amongst which number is Mr. Mansell, from a contusion in his right shoulder by splinter. Our main and mizen top-masts are alone disabled, and the hull has not suffered materially. All the officers, and every man individually, behaved as nobly as I have ever witnessed; and you know it is not the first action in which I have seen courage excited.
This is copied from the letter I write to my brother. My amanuensis is a gentleman who acted as my aide-de-camp, and I beg you will acquaint his good father that he acquitted himself highly to my satisfaction, and showed himself deserving the stock from which he sprung. I truly hope in due time to have the opportunity of advancing a young man of his merit.
In case I have not time to write to my brother, as the above has been copied only from the scraps of the letter I intended writing, send him this letter, stating my great hurry and the pressure of service at this crisis.
Adieu! nothing can equal my impatience to hear from you, and to receive good accounts of my sister.
I am truly, most affectionately yours,
Jas. Saumarez.