The British squadron sent on such an errand ought, on every principle of policy and humanity, to have been much stronger than that which Commodore Moore commanded on this occasion.

The Castilian pride took fire at the idea of striking to an equal foe; and, unhappily, an action took place, in which three of the Spanish ships were captured, and one blown up.

This catastrophe determined, as might have been expected, the wavering counsels of Madrid.

Spain declared war against England, and placed her fleets at the command of the French Emperor.
Two of his own squadrons, meantime, had, in pursuance of the great scheme traced for the ruin of England, escaped early in this year out of Rochefort and Toulon.

The former, passing into the West Indies, effected some trivial services, and returned in safety to their original port.
The latter, under Villeneuve, had like fortune; and, venturing on a second sortie, joined the great Spanish fleet under Gravina at Cadiz.
The combined fleets then crossed the Atlantic, where they captured an insignificant island, and once more returned towards Europe.