HMS Dragon had already fought at Cape Finisterre and was another 74-gun ship that Cornwallis considered sending toward Nelson. The Channel Fleet commander was releasing as many ships as he could without abandoning the threat around Brest. Strengthening Nelson reduced the danger that Villeneuve and Ganteaume could unite, even though Cornwallis regarded Villeneuve as potentially more active than the Brest fleet. Reinforcement required a balance between local blockade duties and concentration against the most immediate operational threat.
Notable Point · 21:19-22:10
Cornwallis reinforces Nelson from the Channel Fleet
Dragon's possible transfer shows Cornwallis balancing the Brest watch against the need to make Nelson strong enough to prevent a French junction.