Admiral Rosily's five ships of the line and one frigate were trapped at Cadiz when Spain turned against Napoleon in 1808. He moved beyond easy reach of land attack and tried to delay until French troops could arrive, while proposing terms that would preserve his crews and ships. Spanish authorities rejected those terms and installed batteries around the anchorage. After several days of fire, the French squadron struck its colors. Spain also refused British participation so that the captured warships would remain prizes for the Spanish navy.
Chapter · 49:08-55:19
Spain captures Rosily's squadron at Cadiz
Political reversal traps five French ships of the line at Cadiz, where Spanish batteries and gunboats compel surrender while a British blockade prevents escape.