A representation of a battle during the War of American Independence, 1775–1783. Cape St Vincent is on the south coast of Portugal and the site of several important naval actions, including this battle. Sir George Rodney was appointed flag officer in the Leeward Island in the autumn of 1779 and it was decided that on his way out he would convoy supplies to beleaguered Gibraltar and to Minorca. For this purpose, his squadron was increased to include 22 sail of the line and 14 frigates. This convoy sailed from Plymouth on 29 December and on 16 January a Spanish convoy of 22 ships was sighted, west of Cape Finisterre. They were heading for their home port of Cadiz, 100 miles south. This valuable convoy, which included a 64-gun ship, three frigates and a sloop were all captured, after Rodney had ordered a general chase. Battle commenced at 4pm and at 4.40pm, the Spanish 'San Domingo', 70 guns, blew up and sank with all hands. Darkness fell soon after and the chase continued through the night until 2am. Despite fighting at night and in difficult, stormy conditions, Rodney did not lose any of his own fleet.