Who would win a wargame between Admiral Farragut and the Marquis of Santa Cruz?
Short answerA close contest is expected, with the preference for Farragut explicitly based on personal liking.
NotesFarragut and Santa Cruz make a plausible close contest because both are credited with considerable ability. Formal wargaming would be unfamiliar territory for commanders of their periods. Alex Clarke's preference for Farragut is personal rather than a claim of decisive superiority. His interpretation of Santa Cruz's service places inherited family loyalty ahead of affection for Philip II.