Jervis attacks the larger Spanish fleet at Cape St Vincent

Jervis had withdrawn from exposed Mediterranean positions when combined French and Spanish strength made resistance impractical. When the allied fleets separated and Nelson located the Spanish, Jervis advanced without knowing their exact number and refused to reconsider as successive reports increased the count. The British entered battle heavily outnumbered, yet concentration, preparation, and Spanish division allowed them to capture four ships of the line with comparatively modest casualties. The victory helped establish the Royal Navy's expectation that it should engage whenever an exploitable operational opportunity appeared.