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The Battle of Cape St Vincent, 14 February 1797

Image credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

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Early in 1797, a Spanish fleet of 27 sail of the line lay at Cartagena, with the intention of joining the French fleet at Brest. The British Commander, Sir John Jervis, aimed to prevent this, and with 15 sail of the line, plus frigates, he repaired to rendezvous with Rear-Admiral William Parker off Cape St Vincent. Don José de Cordova and the Spanish fleet left Cartagena on 1st February and might have reached Cadiz safely but for a fierce Levanter, the easterly wind, blowing between Gibraltar and Cadiz. This pushed the Spanish into the Atlantic and, by 13th February, close to the British fleet. Early on the 14th, Jervis learnt that the Spanish fleet was 35 miles to windward. This picture concentrates on the dramatic incident of the capture of the ‘San Nicolas' (80 guns) and the 'San Josef' (112 guns).

National Maritime Museum

London

Title

The Battle of Cape St Vincent, 14 February 1797

Date

mid-19th C

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 155 x W 348 cm

Accession number

BHC0488

Acquisition method

National Maritime Museum (Greenwich Hospital Collection)

Work type

Painting

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National Maritime Museum

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