The Battle of Cape Santa Maria-- Part 2

The Spanish fleet had four frigates loaded with the payment treasure. They were attacked by four British ships. Upon sighting each other, the fleets got into line of battle. Within ten minutes of the start of the battle, the magazine of the Mercedes blew up, destroying the vessel and killing all but 40 of its crew.

A short time later, two other Spanish ships surrendered and another was captured trying to get away.

Spain declared war on Britain December 14, 1804.

The Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes mounted 36 guns.

I imagine the Mercedes could be considered a war grave as I am sure there are remains aboard it.

--DaCoot

The Battle of Cape Santa Maria, 1804-- Part 1

From Wikipedia.

Yetsreday, I wrote about the Spanish ship Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes sinking with all that gold and silver and the legal battle between the company that found the ship and Spain. It was sunk in the Battle of Cape Santa Maria which I had never heard of, so had to check it out.

The battle, also called the Battle of Cape St. Mary, took place on October 5, 1804, off the coast of Portugal when a British squadron of ships attacked a Spanish one during a time of peace.

A secret treaty had been signed between France and Spain calling for Spain to declare war on Britain at a future date. Until that happened, Spain was to make payments to France and the four Spanish ships were carrying that payment. But Britain found out about the secret treaty and decided to intercept the payment.

Ahh, the Intrigue. Sounds Like Diplomacy. --Cooter