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Berthier
12-22-2011, 04:46
This is a very interesting article about the capture of three Spanish frigates (a fourth frigate was lost) by the RN in 1804 during a period of supposed peace. The action is described the only failing in the article is it's lack of elaboration on the British motives for the unprovoked seizure. The incident was pivotal in driving the Spanish into better relations with Napoleonic France.

Article comes from "The Napoleon Series" and is by Stephen Millar

http://www.napoleon-series.org/military/battles/1804/c_santamaria.html

David Manley
12-22-2011, 06:44
some minor elaboration here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_of_5_October_1804

In particular:

"Under the terms of a secret convention Spain had to pay 72 million francs annually to France, until it declared war on Britain. The British had learned of the treaty, and knew it was likely that Spain would declare war soon after the arrival of the treasure ships. Since the British also knew that by law the fleet could only land at Cádiz, as well as its place and approximate time of departure from South America, it was not difficult to position a squadron to intercept it."

"

Cmmdre
06-30-2013, 09:39
Here is an interesting update to this story.

http://www.sailsofglory.org/showthread.php?1267-BATTLE-OF-CAPE-SANTA-MARIA-BLACK-SWAN-PROJECT

5721

Berthier
07-01-2013, 05:32
Nice follow up Paul. Nice to see the Spanish finally got their shipment even if 200 years too late. Hope the Odyssey guys got a fair finders fee.:medal:

Wargamer
07-01-2013, 06:54
With two different nations claiming vs Odyssey, with no support by their own nation versus Spain or Peru, it seems likely that Odyssey will be bankrupt sooner than the lawyers of those nations.

OmegaLazarus
07-01-2013, 11:20
These journalists need to check their facts. I am fairly certain that the Captain of the HMS. Lively was Jack Aubrey. :happy: