to give to the officers of the captured ships a portion, at least, of the freight that they probably would have received from their own government, had they carried home the treasure with which their ships were laden. Its comparatively small amount would scarcely be felt by one party, and yet might contribute greatly to the relief of the other.

On the 20th of October, at 5 p.m., Cape Ortugal bearing south-west, distant eight or nine leagues, the British 18-pounder 32-gun frigate Cerberus, Captain James Macnamara, discovered a fleet to windward, which proved to be a Spanish convoy of 80 vessels, in charge of the 40-gun frigate Ceres (18-pounders), and 34-gun frigates Diana, Esmeralda, Mercedas, and another, and two brig-corvettes, bound to the north-east coast of Spain. Undismayed at their formidable appearance, the Cerberus immediately stood towards them, and at 8 p.m., having approached to windward of and hailed a frigate who was ahead and somewhat detached from her convoy, commenced the action ; and that at such close quarters, that the two ships almost touched each other.

Not dreaming of an enemy so near, the Spanish frigate seemed more desirous to join her consorts to leeward than to engage the Cerberus, and consequently returned but feebly the latter's fire. The instant the Spanish frigate made sail, the Cerberus, to frustrate her intention of joining her consorts, wore round, and engaged her to leeward. By 8 h. 30 m. p.m., the Cerberus had silenced the fire of her opponent, but was prevented from taking possession of her, by the near approach of the four other frigates. At 9 p.m., on hauling up to avoid being raked, the Cerberus fell on board the leading frigate of those advancing, and carried away the latter's maintopsail yard. This fresh frigate, replacing the one which had been so beaten, now opened her fire on the Cerberus, and a smart cannonade ensued between them. Soon afterwards a third frigate took part in the action, and the Cerberus had frequently to fire both broadsides at once.

At 9 h. 30 m., p.m. Captain Macnamara deeming it time to consult the safety of his ship, the Cerberus wore, and endeavoured to get clear of her numerous foes ; by whom, at 10 h. 30 m. p.m., she was nearly surrounded. The Cerberus very soon afterwards hauled to the wind, and effected her escape. At 11 p.m. she captured a brig, one of the convoy ; but, as the Spanish frigates were within a mile of her, the Cerberus was obliged to be contented with setting the brig on fire ; a service which Lieutenant Hassard Stackpoole, in spite of a strong wind and heavy sea, promptly executed.

The damages of the Cerberus were confined to her sails and rigging, and her loss amounted to only four men wounded: This was attributed to the state of confusion in which the Spanish frigates were ; some of whom are represented to have fired,

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