With so many models of ships that fought at Trafalgar, including Victory and Agamemnon to name just two, I thought the following would be interesting to anyone building those ships or any other naval vessels at Trafalgar for that matter.
Log of Euryalus during the Battle of Trafalgar
A lot has been written about the Battle of Trafalgar, but many feel that the most detailed on-site description comes from the Euryalus’ Master’s log, which was written on a combination of parchment and at times sheets of sailcloth. The actual log that covered the dates surrounding Trafalgar still exists and is held by Lloyd’s of London. It is in poor condition and no longer available to the public. Fortunately, it had been transcribed in the distant past and can be found in at least one volume. The following includes the dates from just prior to Trafalgar to several days following the battle. The following are the written words of Frederick Ruckert, Euryalus. The grammar and spelling are as found in the original.
Saturday October 19th A.M. At 3.30 tacked ship. Moderate and clear. Out 2nd reefs, set foresail and spanker. At 4, ditto weather. Squadron in company. At 5.30 tacked. Sebastian NE about 4 miles. At daylight observed the enemy’s ships in Cadiz with topgallant yards across, and eight ships having their topsails hoisted to the mastheads. At 7, saw the northernmost ships under way. At 7.20 dispatched the Phoebe to repeat signals, between us and the English fleet. At 8, saw 19 of the enemy under way. All the rest, except the Spanish Rear-Admiral and another line-of-battle ship, with their topsails to the masthead. The Defence in sight from the masthead west. Phoebe WNW, firing three minute guns. At 8.10 came within hail the Naiad, and ordered her to repeat as many signals as possible between us and the Phoebe. Made a telegraph message to the Weazle, intelligence to Gibraltar and Tetuan. At 9 ordered the Pickle to proceed with all possible dispatch off Cape Spartel, and inform all ships that the enemy is out, and cruise there 3 days and then return to this place. Out all reefs and got all ready for making sail. At 10, light airs, inclinable to calm. At noon, calm. Phoebe and Naiad between us and the fleet. Weazle and Pickle SSE. Sirius in company. St. Sebastian E 1 /2 N, 7 or 8 miles. Latitude observed 36° 28’ N. The enemy’s ships in Cadiz Bay in a calm. PM – Light breezes and clear. Made and shortened sail and tacked as the case required. At 4 do weather. 9 of the enemy’s ships out. Naiad and Phoebe between us and the fleet repeating signals. Another line of battle ship WNW. At 6, Rota NE 1/2E. Sebastian E by N about 7 miles. Cape Trafalgar SE by S 3/4 S. The enemy’s ships ENE about 3 miles, 12 in number. Bore up and stood towards the enemy to watch their motions, and observed the whole 12 standing towards the northward on the larboard tack. Sirius in company. Beat to quarters. At 8, light winds; hauled our wind on the larboard tack, the body of the enemy’s ships NE by E, about 2 miles. St. Sebastian E about 4 miles. At 8.10 hailed the Sirius, and ordered her to watch the enemy’s motion to the southward of us. Observed several rockets made by the ships to the westward of us. At 9, wore ship. Sirius SSW. Naiad west. Lighthouse W by S, 4 miles. Still in sight of the enemy. At 9.45, hove to. At 11.45 saw the ships to the westward of us burn a blue light. At 12, light winds, St. Sebastian NE 1 /2 E, 4 or 5 miles.
Sunday, October 20th A.M. Saw another blue light to windward. At 1.30 sprang up a breeze from the SW. Tacked and made sail to the NW. At 4 tacked in 30 fathoms; two ships in sight to windward. Sirius in company. At daylight observed nine of the enemies’ ships, under sail off Cadiz Harbour, and 4 at anchor, Naiad in sight south, Sirius in company. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Observed the enemy’s ships in the harbour getting under way. 22 of the English fleet in sight from the mast head. At 7.30, a strange sail NW. The Sirius made sail in chase. At 7.50, saw the Sirius boarding a chase which proved to be an American ship. At 8.20, perceived a line-of-battle ship with a brig in tow steering with all sail direct for the enemy within a very near distance. Made the private signal to her and proved to [be] H.M.S. Agamemnon. Made the signal to the Agamemnon for the enemy NE. Repeated it with many guns before it was noticed. She then hauled to the wind on the starboard tack, having a heavy brig tow which she did not cast off. At 8.35, the Sirius got her boat back from the American ship and she made sail on the larboard tack. Saw the van ship of the enemy endeavouring to get up with the Sirius, and a line-of-battle ship firing at her, then bearing from us NE by E, 2 or 3 miles. At 8.50, thirty four ships of the enemy in sight. At 9, St. Sebastian E 1 /2 S, about 4 leagues. At 9.10, pointed out by signal the bearings of the Commander-in-Chief to the Agamemnon, and made telegraph signals to her that thirty-four of the enemy were out, and to make all sail and repeat signals between me and the Admiral, and that the enemy’s ships were much scattered, and directed Sir Edward Berry to fire every 10 minutes with the preceding signal; but she still stood on SE with the brig in tow until we lost sight of her. At 9.30, strong breezes. In 2nd reef of the topsails. At 9.45 observed a number of the enemy’s ships wearing and standing toward Cadiz. At 10, strong breezes and thick weather with rain. Lost sight of the enemy’s ships. At 11, up mainsail, down jib. At noon the wind more moderate, but very heavy rain and thick weather. P.M. – Heavy rain and thick weather. At 12.30, the weather clearing up a little, saw the enemy to leeward under low sail on the larboard tack; being close wore ship, reefed topsails and made all possible sail to look out for the English fleet in the SSW. Still keeping sight of the enemy. At 1, more moderate; out reefs, set topgallant sails. Saw the Sirius to leeward of us and recalled her. At 2, saw the English fleet in the SSW, standing to the westward. At 2.10, made a telegraph message to the Sirius, ‘I am going to the Admiral, but will return before night.’ At 3, exchanged ship’s numbers with the fleet. At 3.20, made the telegraph message, ‘The enemy seems determined to push to the westward, with numeral pendant 30N by E,’ which the Admiral answered. Saw an English line-of-battle ship to leeward of the fleet with her main topmast down. At 4, wore ship and stood to the northward. At 4.40, the English fleet wore. Enemy’s fleet on the larboard tack to the northward. Up mainsail, crossed the royal yards. At 5.20, observed some of the enemy’s look out ships reconnoitring us; tacked ship. At 5.40 answered the Admiral’s signal, ‘I rely on your keeping sight of the enemy.’ At 6, ditto weather. Victory and fleet to the southward. Enemy’s fleet and Sirius N by E. Made several lights and burnt false fires to show the enemy’s position to Lord Nelson and the fleet. At 8.30 wore ship. Up mainsail and kept upon the enemy’s weather beam, about 2 or 3 miles. Made and shortened sail occasionally. Fired guns and burned false fires as necessary. At 12, moderate breezes. The body of the enemy’s fleet SE by S about 3 miles, and the light of the English fleet to the southward and westward 5 or 6 miles.
Monday, October 21st A.M. – At 12.30, set foresail. At 3, out one reef of the topsails. Light breezes and hazy. At daylight, the body of the enemy’s fleet ESE 5 or 6 miles. English fleet WSW. At 8, observed the British fleet forming their lines, the headmost ships from the enemy’s centre 8 or 9 miles. The enemy’s force consisting of thirty three sail of the line, five frigates, and two brigs. Light winds and hazy with a great swell from the westward. English fleet all sail set. Standing toward the enemy, then on the starboard tack. At 8.50, answered Lord Nelson’s signal for the captain, who went immediately on board the Victory. Took our station on the Victory’s larboard quarter and repeated the Admiral’s signals. At 10, observed the enemy wearing and coming to the wind on the larboard tack. At 11.40 repeated Lord Nelson’s telegraph message: ‘I intend to push or go through the end of the enemy’s line to prevent them from getting into Cadiz.’ Saw the land bearing E by N, 5 or 6 leagues. At 11.56, repeated Lord Nelson’s telegraph message: ‘England expects that every man will do his duty.’ At noon, light winds and a great swell from the westward. Observed the Royal Sovereign, Admiral Collingwood, leading the lee line, bearing down on the enemy’s rear line, being then nearly within gunshot of them. Lord Nelson, leading the weather line, bore down on the enemy’s centre. Captain Blackwood returned from the Victory. Cape Trafalgar SE by E, about 5 leagues. P.M. – Light winds and hazy. British fleet bearing down in two lines on the enemy’s which was forming in one line from NNE to SSE, their strongest force from the van to the centre. At 1.15, the British fleet bearing down on the enemy, Vice-Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson leading the weather line in the Victory, and Vice Admiral Collingwood the lee line. At 12.15, the enemy opened a heavy fire upon the Royal Sovereign. At 12.16, the English Admirals hoisted their respective flags and the fleet, the British fleet, the British ensign (white). At 12.17, Admiral Collingwood returned the enemy’s fire in a brave and steady manner. At 12.20, we repeated Lord Nelson’s signal for the British fleet to engage close, which was answered by the whole fleet. At 12.21, the van and centre of the enemy’s line opened a heavy fire upon the Victory and the ships she was leading into action. At 12.20, Admiral Collingwood and the headmost ships of his line broke through the rear of the enemy’s, where the action commenced in a most severe and determined, cool and steady manner. At 12.24, Lord Nelson and the headmost of the line he led into action, broke into the van and centre of the enemy’s line and commenced the action in that quarter in a steady and gallant manner. Observed the Africa coming into the line, she being to leeward, with all sails set on the starboard tack (free). We kept Lord Nelson’s signal flying at the main royal mast head, for the British fleet to engage close. At 12.26 observed one of the French ships totally dismasted about the centre of the line, by some of the ships of our lee line, and another of them with the fore yard and mizen topmast shot away. At 1.15, observed the Tonnant’s fore topmast shot away. At 1.25, observed an English ship with her fore and mizen masts shot away. At 1.32, her main yard shot away. The centre and rear of the enemy’s line hard pressed in action. At 2, the Africa engaged very close a French 2 decked ship, and in about 5 minutes’ time, shot away her main and mizen masts. At 2.10, observed the Mars hard pressed in action. The remainder of the British fleet, which were come into action, kept up a well-directed fire on the enemy. At 2.15, the Neptune, supported by the Colossus, opened a heavy fire upon the Santisima Trinidad and 2 other of the enemy’s line which were next to her. At 2.20, the Trinidad’s main and mizen masts shot away. At 2.30, the Africa shot away the fore mast of the 2-decked ship she was engaged with, and left her a complete wreck. She then bore up under the Trinidad’s stern and raked here fore and aft. Colossus and Neptune still engaged with her and the other two ships, which appeared by their colours to be French. At 2.34, the Trinidad’s fore mast shot away, and at 2.26, one of the French ships’ main and mizen masts. Observed 9 of the enemy’s van wear and stand down towards the centre. Observed the Royal Sovereign with her main and mizen masts gone. At 2.36 answered Lord Nelson’s signal to pass within hail, made all possible sail and made the signal to the Sirius, Phoebe, and Naiad to take ships in tow which were disabled ENE, which she answered. Sounded in 50 fathoms. At 2.40 observed a French 2-decked ship on fire and dismasted in the SSE quarter. Passed the Spartiate and another 2-deck ship standing towards the enemy’s van and opened a heavy fire, when the action in that quarter commenced very severe. At 2.50, passed by the Mars, who hailed us to take them in tow. Captain Blackwood answered that he would do it with pleasure, but that he was going to take the second in command, the Royal Sovereign. The officer that hailed us from the Mars, said that Captain Duff was no more. At 3, came alongside the Royal Sovereign and took her in tow. Captain Blackwood was hailed by Admiral Collingwood and ordered to go on board the Santa Ana, Spanish 3-deck ship, and bring him the Admiral, which Captain Blackwood obeyed. At 3.30, the enemy’s van approached as far as the centre and opened a heavy fire on the Victory, Neptune, Spartiate, Colossus, Mars, Africa, Agamemnon and Royal Sovereign, which we had in tow, and was most nobly returned. We had several of our main and topmast rigging cut away, and backstays by the enemy’s shot, and there being no time to haul down the studdingsails, as the enemy’s van ships hauled up for us, we cut them away and let them go overboard, at which time one of the enemy’s nearest ships to us was totally dismasted. At 4, light variable winds; not possible to manage the Royal Sovereign, so as to bring her broadside to bear on the enemy’s ships. At 4.10, we had the stream cable, by which the Royal Sovereign was towed, shot away and a cutter from the quarter. Wore ship, and stood for the Victory. Observed the Phoebe and Sirius and Naiad coming into the centre and taking some of the disabled ships in tow. At this time the firing ceased a little. At 4.20, observed a Spanish two-deck ship dismasted and struck to one of our ships. Observed several of the enemy’s ships still hard engaged. At 5, 11 ___ of the enemy’s van and ___ of their rear bore up and made all sail to the northward; were closely followed by the English, which opened a heavy fire upon them and dismasted a French two-deck ship and a Spanish two-deck ship. At 5.20, the Achille French two-deck ship, which was on fire, blew up with a great explosion. At 5.25, made sail for the Royal Sovereign. Observed the Victory’s mizen mast go overboard, about which time the firing ceased, leaving the English fleet conquerors, with11 ___ sail of the enemy’s ships in our possession and one blown up,11 ___ of which were first rates, and all dismasted. At 5.55 Admiral Collingwood came on board and hoisted his flag (blue at the fore.) At 6.15, sent a spare shroud hawser on board the Royal Sovereign and took her in tow, and at the same time sent all our boats with orders from Admiral Collingwood to all the English ships we could discover near us that they were to take the captured ships in tow and follow the Admiral. At the time saw Cape Trafalgar bearing SE by E about 8 miles. Sent a boat on board the Spanish three-deck ship which had struck, one main top gallant sail, standing jib and main topgallant stay sail. At 7.36, took aback, and the Royal Sovereign fell on board of our starboard beam, and there being a great swell she damaged the main channels, took away the lanyards of the main and mizen rigging, jolly boat from the quarter and davits, the most of the quarter-deck and waist hammock cloths, boards, railing, with a number of hammocks and bedding; took away the main and mizen topgallant masts, lost the royals, and yard. Tore the fore and main sails very much, and took away a great part of the running rigging. At 7.40 got her clear, made sail on the starboard tack with a light wind from the Blank in original.
WSW, and a great swell. Employed repairing the damages sustained by the Sovereign falling on board of us. At 9, sounded in 23 fathoms. Made the signal with a gun, prepare to anchor. Fleet and prizes in company. Light airs and a great swell from the westward. At 9.15, sound in 15 fathoms. At 9.2 in 14 fathoms. At 9.35, the water deepened. At 11 sounded in 36 fathoms. At 11.20, the water shoaled to 26 fathoms. At 12, in 22 fathoms.
Tuesday, October 22nd A.M. – At 12.15, made the signal with three guns to wear and wore ship. Came to the wind on the larboard tack, head to the westward Sovereign in tow. Fleet and prizes in company. Moderate breezes and cloudy. Made and shortened sail as necessary. At 4, do weather. At daylight, 4 sail in sight in the SW and 40 sail from east to NE. At 8, cast off the Sovereign and the Neptune took her in tow. Received from the Pickle, schooner, 18 French prisoners, which was part of the men she saved out of the Achille, French ship, which was blown up in the action. Strong gales and rain. Fleet and prizes much scattered. Made the general signal for the fleet to close. A 9, wore ship and hove to. At 11.20, filled and made sail on the starboard tack. At noon, strong gales and cloudy, with heavy rain. Most of the fleet and prizes company. Cape Trafalgar bearing SE about 4 leagues. P.M. – Strong breezes and hazy; rain. Joined company H.M.S. Melpomene. At 2, wore, in mizen topsail and down jib. Cape Trafalgar SE by S, 7 or 8 miles. Set storm staysail. Down top gallant yards and struck the masts. At 4, strong gales and rain. At 8, ditto gales with heavy squalls and rain. At 9.30, set foresail. At 11.30, took aback, stood on the starboard tack. Burnt blue lights every hour. At 12, do, weather. Sounded in 40 fathoms.
Wednesday, October 23rd A.M. – Do. weather with heavy squalls. The fore topmast staysail split and blown away by a heavy squall from the westward. At 2, sound in 45 fathoms. At 4, sounded in 65 fathoms. A 5.30, out 3rd reef of the topsails and swayed them up. Weather more moderate. Up top gallant masts. At 7 Cape Trafalgar east, about 13 or 14 miles. At 8, heavy rain and squally. Several of the fleet and prizes in sight. At 11, sounded in 59 fathoms. At 12, forty-seven sail in sight. Wind variable and cloudy. Cape Trafalgar SE, 5 or 6 leagues. P.M. – Variable and cloudy. Bore up and tacked occasionally to collect the prizes. At 3, observed 10 of the enemy’s ships in the ENE. Made the signal to prepare for battle, and formed a line of 10 sail between the prizes and the enemy. At 4, strong breezes and cloudy. Stood to the ENE. At 5.30 lost sight of the enemy and hauled on the larboard tack in 3rd reef of topsail. Strong breezes and rain, and a heavy swell from the westward. Fleet and prizes in company. At 6, ditto weather. At 8, strong gales with rain and a heavy squall. Some of the fleet in sight. At 9, furled mainsail, in fore and mizen topsails. From 10 to 11.45, heavy gales and rain. At 12, little more moderate. Thursday,
October 24th A.M. – Ditto, gales and rain. Struck topgallant masts. At 3.30, wore ship and made the signal with guns for the fleet to wear. At 4, ditto gales and squally. At daylight, 45 sail of the fleet and prizes in sight, but much scattered. A number of the dismasted prizes not in tow. At 7, more moderate, with a great swell from the westward. Up topgallant masts and yards. Bore up, filled and made sail occasionally. At 8 Sebastian light house SE by E, about 5 leagues. Fleet and prizes much scattered. At 9, observed 5 of the enemy’s ships close in shore off Cadiz Harbour. A 11, reefed topsails. At noon, strong breezes and cloudy. Received from the Neptune the French Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Villeneuve. Sebastian SE by E 1/2E, 5 or 6 leagues. P.M. – Fresh breezes and cloudy. At 3, filled. At 3.40 tacked. At noon, moderate and appeared for fine weather. Bore up for the ships. Employed destroying the prizes between Cadiz and St. Lucia [San Lucar]. At 5.30, shortened sail and hove to. Sent Lieut. Williams, the carpenter and his crew, with 30 men on board the Santisima Trinidad, Spanish 4-decker, to destroy her. Sounded in 20 fathoms. At 9.15, boats returned. Hoisted them up and made sail on the starboard tack. At 9.30, saw one of the prizes blow up with a great explosion. Wore ship and hauled on the larboard tack. Out reefs. At 10.30, in topgallant sails, down jib. Strong breezes and squally, with rain. At 12, do. weather. Friday
October 25th A.M. – At 1, in 3rd reef of topsails. At 1.30, took aback. Wore ship. At 3.30 wore shop and close-reefed topsails. At 4, strong breezes, with squalls, and heavy rain form the southward and westward. Down topgallant yards and struck the masts. At 8, ditto gales, 17 sail in sight. At 8.20, set mizen topsail and storm staysail. At 9.45, in fore topsail. Heavy gales, and thick weather with rain. At 10, in mizen topsail. At noon, strong gales with a heavy swell. Cape St. Marras, N, 70° W, 35 miles. P.M. – Heavy gales and thick rain, and a heavy swell from the southward. At 12.15, the spritsail yard carried away by a heavy sea with all the rigging belonging to it, and also the head rails and boards. Found the spanker boom sprung close outside the Taffrail. Got it in. Carpenters employed fishing it. At 2, reefed foresail and furled the main sail. At 4, ditto gales and rain. At 5, wore ship on the starboard tack under storm staysails, close reefed main topsail and staysail. At 8, more moderate with a heavy swell. At 9, set fore and mizen topsails. At 12, fresh gales and a great swell.
Saturday, October 26th* A.M. – Ditto gales. Sounded occasionally, but no bottom. At 7.50, seven sail of the fleet in sight. The Pickle, schooner, in company. At 8, heavy rain with squalls. At noon fresh gales and squally. Fourteen sail in sight. Dispatched the Pickle, schooner, for England. P.M. – Strong gales and squally. At 4.45 hove to. 4 dismasted and 5 complete ships at anchor. 30 sail in all in sight.
Sunday , October 27th A.M. – At 4, squally with rain. At 6.30, bore up and made toward the ships at anchor. Thirty sail in all in sight. Fresh gales and squally with heavy rain. At 8, made the telegraph message to the Prince, ‘Take Tonnant under orders and repair to Gibraltar or Tetuan as fast as possible. Collect all disabled ships that you meet and take them with you.’ And made the signal to her that the Victory bore west. At 10, made to the Britannia telegraph message, ‘Admiral desires you keep to windward, and not come down without signal.’ Fresh gales and squally with rain. At noon, 30 sail in sight. Made the signal by telegraph to the Minotaur, ‘I don’t think there are any ships in Cadiz from my observation.’
P.M. – Fresh breezes and squally. At 1, observed the Donegal and Thunderer weigh and stood to the NE.
*From this date, only extracts of the log are included
Monday, October 28th A.M. – At 5.30, wore ship and bore down towards the ships at anchor. Squally weather with showers of rain. Twenty-one sail in sight. At 9.30, shortened sail and hove to near the ships at anchor. P.M. – Fresh breezes and squally with rain. Received from the Entreprenante, 15 men belonging to the Téméraire, 12 Bellerophons, and 6 Phoebe.
Thursday, October 29th A.M. – Squally with rain. At daylight bore up for the Téméraire. Out reefs, set topgallant sails, and crossed royal yards. Set the sails and all staysails. At 8, moderate and cloudy. A frigate with a hulk in company, NE by N. At noon, light breezes and clear. Point Regal ESE, 8 or 9 miles. Lying to be the Téméraire.
P.M. – Moderate and hazy. At 4, San Lucar, SE by E 1 /2 E, 8 or 9 miles. 30 sail in sight. At 7.40, observed a ship on fire, which blew [up] in the SSE quarter.
Friday, October 30th A.M. – Ditto weather with lightning in the south quarter. Joined the Sirius with a French frigate and brig, being cartels from Cadiz. At 8, fresh gales and hazy. Defence with her prize in company at anchor off Cadiz SE by E, about 4 leagues. P.M. – Moderate and hazy. At 5, joined company Admiral Louis and squadron; hove to by the ship at anchor. Admiral Louis and the captains of the squadron came on board, and at 7.30 they went to their respective ships.
Thursday, October 31st A.M. – Out barge. At 10, Admiral Collingwood struck his flag on board the Euryalus, and hoisted it on board H.M.S. Queen. The following additional information from October 21st on Trafalgar is from the personal journal of Lieutenant W. W. Pike of the Euryalus . At 12:15 Royal Sovereign hawl’d more to the Wind, to form a line with the Enemy, at 12:15 the Enemy opened fire on her, at 12:16 English Admirals hoisted their respective Flags, and the Fleet their Colours at 12:20 repeated the Sign to Engage closer. At 12:21 the Victory broke the Line thro’ the Centre at 12:30 the Action became severe in the Centre and Rear……. As soon as the light wind permitted the remaining British ships came up and engaged, and by 1:30 the battle was at its height. The Euryalus led a line of small vessels to windward of Lord Nelson’s weather line. At 1:25 pm Lord Nelson was mortally wounded while the on Victory’s deck with his flag-captain and by 3 pm the firing had diminished. At 4:40 pm having learned of the completeness of the victory, the British Commander-in-Chief quietly and without a struggle ceased to breathe.12 After the Battle After the death of Nelson, Euryalus took Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood’s ship HMS Royal Sovereign in tow as it was badly damaged and Collingwood went on board Euryalus. She later sailed on to England with Pierre de Villeneuve as prisoner
Log of Euryalus during the Battle of Trafalgar
A lot has been written about the Battle of Trafalgar, but many feel that the most detailed on-site description comes from the Euryalus’ Master’s log, which was written on a combination of parchment and at times sheets of sailcloth. The actual log that covered the dates surrounding Trafalgar still exists and is held by Lloyd’s of London. It is in poor condition and no longer available to the public. Fortunately, it had been transcribed in the distant past and can be found in at least one volume. The following includes the dates from just prior to Trafalgar to several days following the battle. The following are the written words of Frederick Ruckert, Euryalus. The grammar and spelling are as found in the original.
Saturday October 19th A.M. At 3.30 tacked ship. Moderate and clear. Out 2nd reefs, set foresail and spanker. At 4, ditto weather. Squadron in company. At 5.30 tacked. Sebastian NE about 4 miles. At daylight observed the enemy’s ships in Cadiz with topgallant yards across, and eight ships having their topsails hoisted to the mastheads. At 7, saw the northernmost ships under way. At 7.20 dispatched the Phoebe to repeat signals, between us and the English fleet. At 8, saw 19 of the enemy under way. All the rest, except the Spanish Rear-Admiral and another line-of-battle ship, with their topsails to the masthead. The Defence in sight from the masthead west. Phoebe WNW, firing three minute guns. At 8.10 came within hail the Naiad, and ordered her to repeat as many signals as possible between us and the Phoebe. Made a telegraph message to the Weazle, intelligence to Gibraltar and Tetuan. At 9 ordered the Pickle to proceed with all possible dispatch off Cape Spartel, and inform all ships that the enemy is out, and cruise there 3 days and then return to this place. Out all reefs and got all ready for making sail. At 10, light airs, inclinable to calm. At noon, calm. Phoebe and Naiad between us and the fleet. Weazle and Pickle SSE. Sirius in company. St. Sebastian E 1 /2 N, 7 or 8 miles. Latitude observed 36° 28’ N. The enemy’s ships in Cadiz Bay in a calm. PM – Light breezes and clear. Made and shortened sail and tacked as the case required. At 4 do weather. 9 of the enemy’s ships out. Naiad and Phoebe between us and the fleet repeating signals. Another line of battle ship WNW. At 6, Rota NE 1/2E. Sebastian E by N about 7 miles. Cape Trafalgar SE by S 3/4 S. The enemy’s ships ENE about 3 miles, 12 in number. Bore up and stood towards the enemy to watch their motions, and observed the whole 12 standing towards the northward on the larboard tack. Sirius in company. Beat to quarters. At 8, light winds; hauled our wind on the larboard tack, the body of the enemy’s ships NE by E, about 2 miles. St. Sebastian E about 4 miles. At 8.10 hailed the Sirius, and ordered her to watch the enemy’s motion to the southward of us. Observed several rockets made by the ships to the westward of us. At 9, wore ship. Sirius SSW. Naiad west. Lighthouse W by S, 4 miles. Still in sight of the enemy. At 9.45, hove to. At 11.45 saw the ships to the westward of us burn a blue light. At 12, light winds, St. Sebastian NE 1 /2 E, 4 or 5 miles.
Sunday, October 20th A.M. Saw another blue light to windward. At 1.30 sprang up a breeze from the SW. Tacked and made sail to the NW. At 4 tacked in 30 fathoms; two ships in sight to windward. Sirius in company. At daylight observed nine of the enemies’ ships, under sail off Cadiz Harbour, and 4 at anchor, Naiad in sight south, Sirius in company. Fresh breezes and cloudy. Observed the enemy’s ships in the harbour getting under way. 22 of the English fleet in sight from the mast head. At 7.30, a strange sail NW. The Sirius made sail in chase. At 7.50, saw the Sirius boarding a chase which proved to be an American ship. At 8.20, perceived a line-of-battle ship with a brig in tow steering with all sail direct for the enemy within a very near distance. Made the private signal to her and proved to [be] H.M.S. Agamemnon. Made the signal to the Agamemnon for the enemy NE. Repeated it with many guns before it was noticed. She then hauled to the wind on the starboard tack, having a heavy brig tow which she did not cast off. At 8.35, the Sirius got her boat back from the American ship and she made sail on the larboard tack. Saw the van ship of the enemy endeavouring to get up with the Sirius, and a line-of-battle ship firing at her, then bearing from us NE by E, 2 or 3 miles. At 8.50, thirty four ships of the enemy in sight. At 9, St. Sebastian E 1 /2 S, about 4 leagues. At 9.10, pointed out by signal the bearings of the Commander-in-Chief to the Agamemnon, and made telegraph signals to her that thirty-four of the enemy were out, and to make all sail and repeat signals between me and the Admiral, and that the enemy’s ships were much scattered, and directed Sir Edward Berry to fire every 10 minutes with the preceding signal; but she still stood on SE with the brig in tow until we lost sight of her. At 9.30, strong breezes. In 2nd reef of the topsails. At 9.45 observed a number of the enemy’s ships wearing and standing toward Cadiz. At 10, strong breezes and thick weather with rain. Lost sight of the enemy’s ships. At 11, up mainsail, down jib. At noon the wind more moderate, but very heavy rain and thick weather. P.M. – Heavy rain and thick weather. At 12.30, the weather clearing up a little, saw the enemy to leeward under low sail on the larboard tack; being close wore ship, reefed topsails and made all possible sail to look out for the English fleet in the SSW. Still keeping sight of the enemy. At 1, more moderate; out reefs, set topgallant sails. Saw the Sirius to leeward of us and recalled her. At 2, saw the English fleet in the SSW, standing to the westward. At 2.10, made a telegraph message to the Sirius, ‘I am going to the Admiral, but will return before night.’ At 3, exchanged ship’s numbers with the fleet. At 3.20, made the telegraph message, ‘The enemy seems determined to push to the westward, with numeral pendant 30N by E,’ which the Admiral answered. Saw an English line-of-battle ship to leeward of the fleet with her main topmast down. At 4, wore ship and stood to the northward. At 4.40, the English fleet wore. Enemy’s fleet on the larboard tack to the northward. Up mainsail, crossed the royal yards. At 5.20, observed some of the enemy’s look out ships reconnoitring us; tacked ship. At 5.40 answered the Admiral’s signal, ‘I rely on your keeping sight of the enemy.’ At 6, ditto weather. Victory and fleet to the southward. Enemy’s fleet and Sirius N by E. Made several lights and burnt false fires to show the enemy’s position to Lord Nelson and the fleet. At 8.30 wore ship. Up mainsail and kept upon the enemy’s weather beam, about 2 or 3 miles. Made and shortened sail occasionally. Fired guns and burned false fires as necessary. At 12, moderate breezes. The body of the enemy’s fleet SE by S about 3 miles, and the light of the English fleet to the southward and westward 5 or 6 miles.
Monday, October 21st A.M. – At 12.30, set foresail. At 3, out one reef of the topsails. Light breezes and hazy. At daylight, the body of the enemy’s fleet ESE 5 or 6 miles. English fleet WSW. At 8, observed the British fleet forming their lines, the headmost ships from the enemy’s centre 8 or 9 miles. The enemy’s force consisting of thirty three sail of the line, five frigates, and two brigs. Light winds and hazy with a great swell from the westward. English fleet all sail set. Standing toward the enemy, then on the starboard tack. At 8.50, answered Lord Nelson’s signal for the captain, who went immediately on board the Victory. Took our station on the Victory’s larboard quarter and repeated the Admiral’s signals. At 10, observed the enemy wearing and coming to the wind on the larboard tack. At 11.40 repeated Lord Nelson’s telegraph message: ‘I intend to push or go through the end of the enemy’s line to prevent them from getting into Cadiz.’ Saw the land bearing E by N, 5 or 6 leagues. At 11.56, repeated Lord Nelson’s telegraph message: ‘England expects that every man will do his duty.’ At noon, light winds and a great swell from the westward. Observed the Royal Sovereign, Admiral Collingwood, leading the lee line, bearing down on the enemy’s rear line, being then nearly within gunshot of them. Lord Nelson, leading the weather line, bore down on the enemy’s centre. Captain Blackwood returned from the Victory. Cape Trafalgar SE by E, about 5 leagues. P.M. – Light winds and hazy. British fleet bearing down in two lines on the enemy’s which was forming in one line from NNE to SSE, their strongest force from the van to the centre. At 1.15, the British fleet bearing down on the enemy, Vice-Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson leading the weather line in the Victory, and Vice Admiral Collingwood the lee line. At 12.15, the enemy opened a heavy fire upon the Royal Sovereign. At 12.16, the English Admirals hoisted their respective flags and the fleet, the British fleet, the British ensign (white). At 12.17, Admiral Collingwood returned the enemy’s fire in a brave and steady manner. At 12.20, we repeated Lord Nelson’s signal for the British fleet to engage close, which was answered by the whole fleet. At 12.21, the van and centre of the enemy’s line opened a heavy fire upon the Victory and the ships she was leading into action. At 12.20, Admiral Collingwood and the headmost ships of his line broke through the rear of the enemy’s, where the action commenced in a most severe and determined, cool and steady manner. At 12.24, Lord Nelson and the headmost of the line he led into action, broke into the van and centre of the enemy’s line and commenced the action in that quarter in a steady and gallant manner. Observed the Africa coming into the line, she being to leeward, with all sails set on the starboard tack (free). We kept Lord Nelson’s signal flying at the main royal mast head, for the British fleet to engage close. At 12.26 observed one of the French ships totally dismasted about the centre of the line, by some of the ships of our lee line, and another of them with the fore yard and mizen topmast shot away. At 1.15, observed the Tonnant’s fore topmast shot away. At 1.25, observed an English ship with her fore and mizen masts shot away. At 1.32, her main yard shot away. The centre and rear of the enemy’s line hard pressed in action. At 2, the Africa engaged very close a French 2 decked ship, and in about 5 minutes’ time, shot away her main and mizen masts. At 2.10, observed the Mars hard pressed in action. The remainder of the British fleet, which were come into action, kept up a well-directed fire on the enemy. At 2.15, the Neptune, supported by the Colossus, opened a heavy fire upon the Santisima Trinidad and 2 other of the enemy’s line which were next to her. At 2.20, the Trinidad’s main and mizen masts shot away. At 2.30, the Africa shot away the fore mast of the 2-decked ship she was engaged with, and left her a complete wreck. She then bore up under the Trinidad’s stern and raked here fore and aft. Colossus and Neptune still engaged with her and the other two ships, which appeared by their colours to be French. At 2.34, the Trinidad’s fore mast shot away, and at 2.26, one of the French ships’ main and mizen masts. Observed 9 of the enemy’s van wear and stand down towards the centre. Observed the Royal Sovereign with her main and mizen masts gone. At 2.36 answered Lord Nelson’s signal to pass within hail, made all possible sail and made the signal to the Sirius, Phoebe, and Naiad to take ships in tow which were disabled ENE, which she answered. Sounded in 50 fathoms. At 2.40 observed a French 2-decked ship on fire and dismasted in the SSE quarter. Passed the Spartiate and another 2-deck ship standing towards the enemy’s van and opened a heavy fire, when the action in that quarter commenced very severe. At 2.50, passed by the Mars, who hailed us to take them in tow. Captain Blackwood answered that he would do it with pleasure, but that he was going to take the second in command, the Royal Sovereign. The officer that hailed us from the Mars, said that Captain Duff was no more. At 3, came alongside the Royal Sovereign and took her in tow. Captain Blackwood was hailed by Admiral Collingwood and ordered to go on board the Santa Ana, Spanish 3-deck ship, and bring him the Admiral, which Captain Blackwood obeyed. At 3.30, the enemy’s van approached as far as the centre and opened a heavy fire on the Victory, Neptune, Spartiate, Colossus, Mars, Africa, Agamemnon and Royal Sovereign, which we had in tow, and was most nobly returned. We had several of our main and topmast rigging cut away, and backstays by the enemy’s shot, and there being no time to haul down the studdingsails, as the enemy’s van ships hauled up for us, we cut them away and let them go overboard, at which time one of the enemy’s nearest ships to us was totally dismasted. At 4, light variable winds; not possible to manage the Royal Sovereign, so as to bring her broadside to bear on the enemy’s ships. At 4.10, we had the stream cable, by which the Royal Sovereign was towed, shot away and a cutter from the quarter. Wore ship, and stood for the Victory. Observed the Phoebe and Sirius and Naiad coming into the centre and taking some of the disabled ships in tow. At this time the firing ceased a little. At 4.20, observed a Spanish two-deck ship dismasted and struck to one of our ships. Observed several of the enemy’s ships still hard engaged. At 5, 11 ___ of the enemy’s van and ___ of their rear bore up and made all sail to the northward; were closely followed by the English, which opened a heavy fire upon them and dismasted a French two-deck ship and a Spanish two-deck ship. At 5.20, the Achille French two-deck ship, which was on fire, blew up with a great explosion. At 5.25, made sail for the Royal Sovereign. Observed the Victory’s mizen mast go overboard, about which time the firing ceased, leaving the English fleet conquerors, with11 ___ sail of the enemy’s ships in our possession and one blown up,11 ___ of which were first rates, and all dismasted. At 5.55 Admiral Collingwood came on board and hoisted his flag (blue at the fore.) At 6.15, sent a spare shroud hawser on board the Royal Sovereign and took her in tow, and at the same time sent all our boats with orders from Admiral Collingwood to all the English ships we could discover near us that they were to take the captured ships in tow and follow the Admiral. At the time saw Cape Trafalgar bearing SE by E about 8 miles. Sent a boat on board the Spanish three-deck ship which had struck, one main top gallant sail, standing jib and main topgallant stay sail. At 7.36, took aback, and the Royal Sovereign fell on board of our starboard beam, and there being a great swell she damaged the main channels, took away the lanyards of the main and mizen rigging, jolly boat from the quarter and davits, the most of the quarter-deck and waist hammock cloths, boards, railing, with a number of hammocks and bedding; took away the main and mizen topgallant masts, lost the royals, and yard. Tore the fore and main sails very much, and took away a great part of the running rigging. At 7.40 got her clear, made sail on the starboard tack with a light wind from the Blank in original.
WSW, and a great swell. Employed repairing the damages sustained by the Sovereign falling on board of us. At 9, sounded in 23 fathoms. Made the signal with a gun, prepare to anchor. Fleet and prizes in company. Light airs and a great swell from the westward. At 9.15, sound in 15 fathoms. At 9.2 in 14 fathoms. At 9.35, the water deepened. At 11 sounded in 36 fathoms. At 11.20, the water shoaled to 26 fathoms. At 12, in 22 fathoms.
Tuesday, October 22nd A.M. – At 12.15, made the signal with three guns to wear and wore ship. Came to the wind on the larboard tack, head to the westward Sovereign in tow. Fleet and prizes in company. Moderate breezes and cloudy. Made and shortened sail as necessary. At 4, do weather. At daylight, 4 sail in sight in the SW and 40 sail from east to NE. At 8, cast off the Sovereign and the Neptune took her in tow. Received from the Pickle, schooner, 18 French prisoners, which was part of the men she saved out of the Achille, French ship, which was blown up in the action. Strong gales and rain. Fleet and prizes much scattered. Made the general signal for the fleet to close. A 9, wore ship and hove to. At 11.20, filled and made sail on the starboard tack. At noon, strong gales and cloudy, with heavy rain. Most of the fleet and prizes company. Cape Trafalgar bearing SE about 4 leagues. P.M. – Strong breezes and hazy; rain. Joined company H.M.S. Melpomene. At 2, wore, in mizen topsail and down jib. Cape Trafalgar SE by S, 7 or 8 miles. Set storm staysail. Down top gallant yards and struck the masts. At 4, strong gales and rain. At 8, ditto gales with heavy squalls and rain. At 9.30, set foresail. At 11.30, took aback, stood on the starboard tack. Burnt blue lights every hour. At 12, do, weather. Sounded in 40 fathoms.
Wednesday, October 23rd A.M. – Do. weather with heavy squalls. The fore topmast staysail split and blown away by a heavy squall from the westward. At 2, sound in 45 fathoms. At 4, sounded in 65 fathoms. A 5.30, out 3rd reef of the topsails and swayed them up. Weather more moderate. Up top gallant masts. At 7 Cape Trafalgar east, about 13 or 14 miles. At 8, heavy rain and squally. Several of the fleet and prizes in sight. At 11, sounded in 59 fathoms. At 12, forty-seven sail in sight. Wind variable and cloudy. Cape Trafalgar SE, 5 or 6 leagues. P.M. – Variable and cloudy. Bore up and tacked occasionally to collect the prizes. At 3, observed 10 of the enemy’s ships in the ENE. Made the signal to prepare for battle, and formed a line of 10 sail between the prizes and the enemy. At 4, strong breezes and cloudy. Stood to the ENE. At 5.30 lost sight of the enemy and hauled on the larboard tack in 3rd reef of topsail. Strong breezes and rain, and a heavy swell from the westward. Fleet and prizes in company. At 6, ditto weather. At 8, strong gales with rain and a heavy squall. Some of the fleet in sight. At 9, furled mainsail, in fore and mizen topsails. From 10 to 11.45, heavy gales and rain. At 12, little more moderate. Thursday,
October 24th A.M. – Ditto, gales and rain. Struck topgallant masts. At 3.30, wore ship and made the signal with guns for the fleet to wear. At 4, ditto gales and squally. At daylight, 45 sail of the fleet and prizes in sight, but much scattered. A number of the dismasted prizes not in tow. At 7, more moderate, with a great swell from the westward. Up topgallant masts and yards. Bore up, filled and made sail occasionally. At 8 Sebastian light house SE by E, about 5 leagues. Fleet and prizes much scattered. At 9, observed 5 of the enemy’s ships close in shore off Cadiz Harbour. A 11, reefed topsails. At noon, strong breezes and cloudy. Received from the Neptune the French Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Villeneuve. Sebastian SE by E 1/2E, 5 or 6 leagues. P.M. – Fresh breezes and cloudy. At 3, filled. At 3.40 tacked. At noon, moderate and appeared for fine weather. Bore up for the ships. Employed destroying the prizes between Cadiz and St. Lucia [San Lucar]. At 5.30, shortened sail and hove to. Sent Lieut. Williams, the carpenter and his crew, with 30 men on board the Santisima Trinidad, Spanish 4-decker, to destroy her. Sounded in 20 fathoms. At 9.15, boats returned. Hoisted them up and made sail on the starboard tack. At 9.30, saw one of the prizes blow up with a great explosion. Wore ship and hauled on the larboard tack. Out reefs. At 10.30, in topgallant sails, down jib. Strong breezes and squally, with rain. At 12, do. weather. Friday
October 25th A.M. – At 1, in 3rd reef of topsails. At 1.30, took aback. Wore ship. At 3.30 wore shop and close-reefed topsails. At 4, strong breezes, with squalls, and heavy rain form the southward and westward. Down topgallant yards and struck the masts. At 8, ditto gales, 17 sail in sight. At 8.20, set mizen topsail and storm staysail. At 9.45, in fore topsail. Heavy gales, and thick weather with rain. At 10, in mizen topsail. At noon, strong gales with a heavy swell. Cape St. Marras, N, 70° W, 35 miles. P.M. – Heavy gales and thick rain, and a heavy swell from the southward. At 12.15, the spritsail yard carried away by a heavy sea with all the rigging belonging to it, and also the head rails and boards. Found the spanker boom sprung close outside the Taffrail. Got it in. Carpenters employed fishing it. At 2, reefed foresail and furled the main sail. At 4, ditto gales and rain. At 5, wore ship on the starboard tack under storm staysails, close reefed main topsail and staysail. At 8, more moderate with a heavy swell. At 9, set fore and mizen topsails. At 12, fresh gales and a great swell.
Saturday, October 26th* A.M. – Ditto gales. Sounded occasionally, but no bottom. At 7.50, seven sail of the fleet in sight. The Pickle, schooner, in company. At 8, heavy rain with squalls. At noon fresh gales and squally. Fourteen sail in sight. Dispatched the Pickle, schooner, for England. P.M. – Strong gales and squally. At 4.45 hove to. 4 dismasted and 5 complete ships at anchor. 30 sail in all in sight.
Sunday , October 27th A.M. – At 4, squally with rain. At 6.30, bore up and made toward the ships at anchor. Thirty sail in all in sight. Fresh gales and squally with heavy rain. At 8, made the telegraph message to the Prince, ‘Take Tonnant under orders and repair to Gibraltar or Tetuan as fast as possible. Collect all disabled ships that you meet and take them with you.’ And made the signal to her that the Victory bore west. At 10, made to the Britannia telegraph message, ‘Admiral desires you keep to windward, and not come down without signal.’ Fresh gales and squally with rain. At noon, 30 sail in sight. Made the signal by telegraph to the Minotaur, ‘I don’t think there are any ships in Cadiz from my observation.’
P.M. – Fresh breezes and squally. At 1, observed the Donegal and Thunderer weigh and stood to the NE.
*From this date, only extracts of the log are included
Monday, October 28th A.M. – At 5.30, wore ship and bore down towards the ships at anchor. Squally weather with showers of rain. Twenty-one sail in sight. At 9.30, shortened sail and hove to near the ships at anchor. P.M. – Fresh breezes and squally with rain. Received from the Entreprenante, 15 men belonging to the Téméraire, 12 Bellerophons, and 6 Phoebe.
Thursday, October 29th A.M. – Squally with rain. At daylight bore up for the Téméraire. Out reefs, set topgallant sails, and crossed royal yards. Set the sails and all staysails. At 8, moderate and cloudy. A frigate with a hulk in company, NE by N. At noon, light breezes and clear. Point Regal ESE, 8 or 9 miles. Lying to be the Téméraire.
P.M. – Moderate and hazy. At 4, San Lucar, SE by E 1 /2 E, 8 or 9 miles. 30 sail in sight. At 7.40, observed a ship on fire, which blew [up] in the SSE quarter.
Friday, October 30th A.M. – Ditto weather with lightning in the south quarter. Joined the Sirius with a French frigate and brig, being cartels from Cadiz. At 8, fresh gales and hazy. Defence with her prize in company at anchor off Cadiz SE by E, about 4 leagues. P.M. – Moderate and hazy. At 5, joined company Admiral Louis and squadron; hove to by the ship at anchor. Admiral Louis and the captains of the squadron came on board, and at 7.30 they went to their respective ships.
Thursday, October 31st A.M. – Out barge. At 10, Admiral Collingwood struck his flag on board the Euryalus, and hoisted it on board H.M.S. Queen. The following additional information from October 21st on Trafalgar is from the personal journal of Lieutenant W. W. Pike of the Euryalus . At 12:15 Royal Sovereign hawl’d more to the Wind, to form a line with the Enemy, at 12:15 the Enemy opened fire on her, at 12:16 English Admirals hoisted their respective Flags, and the Fleet their Colours at 12:20 repeated the Sign to Engage closer. At 12:21 the Victory broke the Line thro’ the Centre at 12:30 the Action became severe in the Centre and Rear……. As soon as the light wind permitted the remaining British ships came up and engaged, and by 1:30 the battle was at its height. The Euryalus led a line of small vessels to windward of Lord Nelson’s weather line. At 1:25 pm Lord Nelson was mortally wounded while the on Victory’s deck with his flag-captain and by 3 pm the firing had diminished. At 4:40 pm having learned of the completeness of the victory, the British Commander-in-Chief quietly and without a struggle ceased to breathe.12 After the Battle After the death of Nelson, Euryalus took Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood’s ship HMS Royal Sovereign in tow as it was badly damaged and Collingwood went on board Euryalus. She later sailed on to England with Pierre de Villeneuve as prisoner
