![Please click on image to go to other web site links which refer to Admiral Lord Nelson. [Portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson, 1800, by Heinrich Füger. (Oil on canvas) © The Royal Naval Museum, Portsmouth]](images/portrait_of_nelson.jpg)
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My Battles> Commodore Horatio Nelson's dispatch to Sir John Jervis4. The capture of the San Sabina, 19 December 1796: Commodore Horatio Nelson's dispatch to Sir John JervisHMS Minerve, 20th December 1796 Sir, Last night at ten o'clock, I saw two Spanish Frigates, and directed Captain Cockburn in the Minerve to attack the Ship which carried a Poop light: the Blanche bore down to attack the other. I have not yet received from Captain Preston an account of his Action; but as I saw the Blanche this morning to windward with every sail set, I presume she has not suffered much damage. Captain Cockburn brought his ship to close action at twenty minutes before eleven, which continued without intermission until half-past one, when La Sabina of forty guns, twenty-eight eighteen pounders on the main deck, 286 men, Captain Don Jacobo Stuart, having lost her mizzenmast (as she did after the Action), her main and fore-masts, 164 men killed and wounded, struck her colours. You are, Sir, so thoroughly acquainted with the merits of Captain Cockburn that it is needless for me to express them; but the discipline of the Minerve does the highest credit to her Captain and Lieutenants and I wish fully to declare the sense I entertain of their judgement and gallantry. Lieutenant Culverhouse, the First Lieutenant is an old Officer of very distinguished merit. Lieutenants Hardy, Gage and Noble deserve every praise which gallantry and zeal justly entitle them to, as do every other officer and man in the Ship. You will observe, Sir, I am sure with regret amongst the wounded Lieutenant James Noble who quitted the Captain to serve with me and whose merits and repeated wounds received in fighting the Enemies of our Country entitle him to every reward which a grateful nation can bestow. The Minerve's opponent, being commanded by a gallant officer, was well defended which has caused her list of killed and wounded to be great as also her masts, sails and rigging. I have the honour to be, Sir, with the greatest respect, Your most obedient servant, Horatio Nelson |
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