At Gibraltar, one of Orde's frigates confirmed that Villeneuve had left the Mediterranean, and Nelson correctly concluded that he should pursue him to the West Indies. Nelson reached Barbados on 4 June, but mistaken sightings, deliberate misinformation, and coincidence sent him south until 8 June while Villeneuve moved north. He reached Antigua on 12 June, the day after the combined fleet had left for Europe. Nelson prioritised Gibraltar on the return crossing because an enemy re-entry into the Mediterranean threatened British allies there. If Villeneuve instead reached Brest, Nelson expected to have time to reinforce the Channel Fleet after checking the Strait. He reached Gibraltar on 19 July, confirmed that the combined fleet had not passed, and then sailed to join Cornwallis. Victory subsequently entered Portsmouth for provisions and water. The wider system covered several possible destinations at once: Nelson guarded the Mediterranean approach, Cornwallis covered Brest, and Calder watched Ferrol and Rochefort.
Chapter · 34:38-39:45
Nelson's Atlantic pursuit and British coverage
False reports sent Nelson south of the French fleet, yet British squadrons still covered the Mediterranean, Brest, and Ferrol approaches.