TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.
Victory, off Barcelona, November 15th, 1804.
The appearances of a rupture with Spain induced me to proceed off this place, in hopes of hearing from his Majesty’s Minister at the Court of Madrid; or, should he not think it proper to write to me, that I might be able to form a judgment whether War or Peace was likely to take place, of the uncertainty which, for some weeks past, has prevailed. For this purpose I sent the Fisgard to Rosas for the purpose of watching, and desiring water and refreshments. The Governor seemed very anxious that he should anchor between the Forts, when he told the Officer the Ship should be furnished with whatever she wanted. In short, his conduct, from rudeness, was so polite, that no doubt was entertained in Lord Mark Kerr’s mind of the views of the Spanish Governor, and he joined me last night.
The Ambuscade, which I stationed off Barcelona, joined me this morning, with a Merchant Brig which was lying in Barcelona Roads. She was yesterday, on her attempting to join the Ambuscade, fired at by the batteries, and very much damaged, but she escaped. The enclosed letter from Mr. Frere has made me give orders for the general seizure of all Spanish Vessels, whether of War or Merchandize. I have the honour to be, &c.
NELSON AND BRONTE.
The Fleet is perfection itself. We have just captured a complete Regiment going to Minorca.1
1 «Thursday, 15th November. A.M. Boarded an Imperial Ship from Barcelona.
At 7·15, AEtna boarded a Spanish Bark, having Troops onboard. At 9·30, Ambuscade boarded a Vessel under Spanish colours, having troops onboard. At 10·30, Spencer boarded a Ship, under Russian colours, having Spanish troops onboard.» —Victory’s Log. «On the 18th of November, Lord Nelson sent the Officers, &c. belonging to the Spanish Regiment onboard a Swedish Ship for Barcelona.»—Ibid. «Monday, 19th November. A.M. At 7·20, Excellent detained the Bona Adventura Spanish Schooner of War.»—Ibid.