Action of 7 July 1799 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Action of 7 July 1799 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Napoleonic Wars | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Spain |
 Great Britain |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Flag-Lieut. Frederick Maitland (POW) | |||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 1 Frigate (34 guns) | 1 Cutter (18 guns) | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown | 1 Cutter captured | ||||||
The Action of 7 July 1799 was a small sea battle during the Napoleonic Wars. It happened when a Spanish warship, the 34-gun frigate Nuestra Señora del Carmen, fought and captured a British ship. The British ship was an 18-gun cutter named Penelope. It was led by Lieutenant Frederick Maitland.
Why the Battle Happened
Fleets Gather in 1799
In June 1799, two large navies joined forces. The French and Spanish fleets met near Cartagena. Together, they had about forty big warships and over thirty smaller ships.
British Spot the Fleet
On July 7, lookouts at Gibraltar saw this huge combined fleet. They were sailing close to the coast of Barbary. Some Spanish ships were even firing at two Algerian vessels.
Penelope Sent to Investigate
Admiral Jervis, also known as Earl of Saint Vincent, was in the area. He was on board the ship HMS Argo. He sent Lieutenant Maitland in the Penelope to find out what was happening. Maitland's mission was to get a closer look at the large fleet. He sailed his small cutter towards Ceuta.
The Sea Battle Unfolds
Sailing Close to the Enemy
Lieutenant Maitland wanted to get the best information. He sailed the Penelope across the Strait of Gibraltar during the night. There was very little wind, and it was extremely dark and calm. Because of this, the combined French and Spanish fleet did not see the cutter. The Penelope got so close that its crew could hear French and Spanish commands.
Morning Surprise and Chase
At daybreak on July 8, the Penelope was very near the enemy's front ships. The Spanish Admiral Mazarredo signaled for boats to tow a 16-gun brig, the Vivo, towards the Penelope. But when the Vivo got close, the Penelope fired back with surprising force. The Spanish brig and its boats quickly pulled back.
A Hope for Escape
With no wind, the Penelope's crew used their own boats to tow the cutter. They towed it southward all morning, hoping to escape. Then, almost every ship in the huge enemy fleet turned to chase the small cutter.
The Frigate Attacks
A breeze finally picked up. The Spanish frigate Nuestra Señora del Carmen, with its 34 guns, sailed quickly towards the Penelope. It positioned itself about a ship's length away. The frigate then fired a powerful broadside (all its guns on one side).
Penelope is Captured
Maitland told his crew to lie down on the deck. This was to protect them from the frigate's heavy fire. But the frigate's attack was so strong that it badly damaged the Penelope's rigging. This made the cutter impossible to steer. With no way to fight or escape, the Penelope had to surrender.
Maitland's Honor
When the Penelope surrendered, an officer from the brig Vivo came aboard. He demanded Maitland's sword. But Maitland refused, saying he had surrendered only to the frigate. Soon, a boat from the Nuestra Señora del Carmen arrived. They sent the Vivo's boat away.
The Penelope was carrying a lot of money meant for Menorca. It had not been unloaded in the rush to leave Gibraltar. When the crew realized they couldn't escape, some tried to take the money. But Lieutenant Maitland bravely stopped them. He said the money was public property and now belonged to the Spanish who captured the ship.
Meeting Admiral Gravina
A boat then took Maitland to the Principe de Asturias. This was a very large warship where Admiral Gravina was. The admiral welcomed Maitland into his cabin. He treated the captured British lieutenant with great kindness.
What Happened Next
Maitland's Release
The day after arriving in Cádiz, Admiral Mazarredo sent his captain to Maitland. The admiral was busy with his ships. However, he promised that Maitland would be released soon. He would not even need to be exchanged for a Spanish prisoner.
Return to Gibraltar
When the Spanish fleet left port, they kept their promise. They returned Lieutenant Maitland to Gibraltar. Maitland then traveled back to England with Admiral St. Vincent in August 1799.
