Unused frigates undermine Calder's defense

Calder defended his caution as strategic prudence: renewed battle might leave his force trapped between Villeneuve and squadrons released from blockade. He had capable frigates, including Egyptienne and Sirius, but did not send them to establish the enemy fleets' positions and condition. The prevailing contrary winds also made the feared junction less immediate, although Calder could not have relied on that knowledge during the action itself. Nelson's criticism that Calder worried more about ships out of sight than ships in sight shows why intelligence gathering had to precede a decision about operational risk.