dependently under Gravina.

[#] Formerly British.

So far as mere figures can show it, the relative strength of the opposing
fleets may be thus compared:--

Line of Battle. Lighter Ships.
|_______________| |___________________________________|

Brigs and
Ships. Guns. Frigates. Guns. corvettes. Guns.

British fleet 27 2148 4 146 2 20
Allied fleet 33 2626 5 200 2 30

But here once more--as so often happens in naval war--the mere reckoning up
of ships and guns does not give the true measure of fighting power. The
British fleet was immeasurably superior in real efficiency, and the French
and Spanish leaders knew this perfectly well.

The morning of 19 October was fine and clear with the wind from the shore.
So clear was the day that the lookout in the foretop of the "Euryalus"
could see the ripples on the beach. As the sun rose the enemy's ships were
seen to be setting their topsails, and one by one they unmoored and towed
down towards the harbour mouth. It was a long process working the ships
singly out of harbour. Blackwood, of the "Euryalus," stood close in, and
from early morning till near 2 p.m. was sending his messages to the distant
fleet.

Hoisted 7.20 a.m. transmitted to the "Victory" soon after 9
a.m.: "The enemy's ships are coming out."

11 a.m.: "Nineteen under sail. All the rest have top-yards
hoisted except Spanish rear-admiral and one line-of-battle
ship."

About 11.3: "Little wind in harbour. Two of the enemy are at
anchor."

Noon: "Notwithstanding little wind, enemy persevere to get
outward. The rest, except one line, ready, yards hoisted."

Just before 2 p.m.: "Enemy persevering to work outward. Seven of
line already without and two frigates."

When the fleet began to show in force outside, Blackwood drew off to a
distance of four miles from the shore and still watched them. He knew the
"Euryalus" could outsail the fastest of the enemy if they tried to attack
him. His business was to keep them under observation. He could see that for
want of wind they were forced to work out ship after ship by towing them
with rowing-boats. He knew they could not be all out till the Sunday
morning, and he knew also that Nelson had acknowledged his messages and was