NELSON'S BIGGEST DEFEAT BATTLE OF SANTA CRUZ TENERIFE IN JULY 1797

[Cmmdre]

[Shipping original and translation of Manuel Garcia ]
Reprinted directly from this link Babor Everything.
http://www.todoababor.es/articulos/tenerife1797.htm

Translated from Spanish
After the defeat of the Spanish fleet in San Vicente on February 14, 1797 Jervis winning squad puts Cádiz blockade in order to destroy the Spanish fleet anchored there and attack merchant traffic. But the British encountered a brilliant defense by Mazarredo, who organized a flotilla of gunboats harassed so surprising that the British ships. These boats were small boats of the ships and the subtle forces of the city provided with 24-pound cannon and howitzers, and used their high mobility and the nocturnal to inflict severe damage to the enemy, forcing them off the blockading force even more of the coast, which made ​​ineffective long escape this blockade to many merchants and get as many and compelled to copy the system Jervis Spanish boats and fight also because it was ineffective the use of ships. The French took note of this, and Brest blocking several years later created a Flotille à l'Espagnol, which was what they called them to this form of combat boats and gunboats (in Brest also formed Spanish boats and gunboats of Gravina's ships that caused great service.) British crews went somewhat demoralized, had long been away from home and in extreme conditions, which created many problems of insubordination. The Nelson were part of the squad did not settle the thing. He had to take a bold stroke for morale ... and pay. So following a long tradition of opportunism, or other piracy as they say, Jervis learned that ships leaving American treasures from the loot in Tenerife, which was fortified, rather than closer to Cadiz. He sent two frigates to the archipelago to explore, who after arrest in a coup surprise a frigate of the Philippine Company in April and the French privateer corvette The Mutine was decided to make a full-scale amphibious assault. Immediately the newly appointed Admiral Nelson took over the commission and on July 14 he set out with ships of the line Theseus of 74 guns which peaked your logo Nelson and commanded by Captain Miller, the Culloden of 74 commanded by Captain Troubridge, Zealous of 74 commanded by Captain Hood, Leander 50 commanded by Captain Thompson (this ship, from Lisbon, he found the squadron when he was already initiated the attack), the frigates Seahorse of 38 under the command of Captain Freemantle, Emerald of 36 commanded by Captain Waller, Tersichore 32 commanded by Captain Bowen and the cutter Fox under command of Lieutenant Gibson, and a bomber, the Lightning commanded by Lieutenant Crompton, who had met with the expedition Road 15. A total of 393 guns, and 3,700 armed men.

Lt. Gen. Gutierrez, Captain General of the Canaries got ready with great effectiveness defense, strengthening the fortifications and making different strengths overlapped his shots, thus making them very effective. Here we make a brief stop to speak Spanish this brave general. Gutierrez was born in 1734 and had a great military history. Participated in Italy in the last campaigns of Philip V. As a lieutenant colonel commanded the force that drove the British Falkland Islands, recovering them to Spain. As Brigadier returned to defeat the British, under the command of the Duke of Crillon, in 1782, in the recovery of Menorca, and in 1791 took command of the Canary Islands. With the 1797 would be the third time the General Gutierrez would beat the British.

The forces which Gutierrez had were:

- The Battalion of the Canaries, very prepared elite unit. 247 men.
- Hunters provincial, 110 men.
- Militia Laguna and Orotava, 330 men.
- Laguna grazers, 245 men.
- Flag of Cuba, 60 men.
- veterans and militia Artillery, 387 men.
- Drivers countrymen auxiliary , 180 men.
- French Mariners (the captured The Mutine ), 110 men.

In total 1,669 Spanish and 91 cannons.

The Canary battalion also served as a training unit of the provincial regiments, constituted exclusively by militiamen very irregular military quality, as discussed below Gutierrez complain about this, but the rest of troops behaved extraordinarily highly trained, special mention to the gunners who served the pieces so remarkable and effective. Shame naval gunners were not and have had them in San Vicente months earlier. The sailors of the brig privateer La Mutine and that at the time of his capture was loaded with the proceeds of their raids against the British, they wanted revenge for the loss of your boat as the launches of the two British frigates Lively and Mineve , which Jervis sent in exploring the island before landing, seized the boat deep into the harbor, while the commander and most of the crew was having fun onshore carelessly. the 17th Nelson summoned the British captains for its flagship prepare the plan of assault.

Order from Nelson to his troops:
First. That each boat boats being towed remain assembled to each other, to have people board the same ship, and that the boats in six divisions reach earth approximately the same time. Second. The Marines line vessels will embark on their boats, which transported them. Third. From the moment that the boats are uncovered by opening fire on them, the bombard begin their fire on the people, and keep it until the flag of truce to be hoisted by the enemy as much as for us. Fourth. That a captain has to take care to check that boats are removed from the beach so they can more quickly landed more men with field pieces. Fifth. Fondearán frigates as soon as possible after the alarm is given, or are forces on land, near the battery from the bay NE. Sixth. Immediately are ground forces, will go to the rear of the battery marked with a G. in the NE part of the bay, and assail without delay, taking possession of the summit of the hill which is on it. Each ship will disembark the number of men expressed by his side, with a corresponding proportion of officers: and the captains are free to send as many men as they like, leaving enough to send the ship, and to operate the boat, and another boat . Every master may land deemed free and lead their sailors, under the direction of Captain Troubridge.

We recommend putting the many sailors uniform Marines as they can be, and that they have crossed the canvas straps. The Marines soldiers are under the command of Captain Oldfield, the Marine officer oldest, and he is bound to come under the direction of Captain Troubridge and Baynes Lieutenant of the Royal Artillery with his detachment. July 21. The officers and men of Culloden, only their weapons, they must be prepared to go on board the Terpsichore at one in the afternoon of this day, carrying four scales of assault, each with a rope four fathoms long, sledge, wedges and axes. The oars of the boats with canvas or buriel shove. The Culloden and Zealous each platform built for a barrel of a 18, and Theseus to drag artillery playability. Each ship iron manufacture many sticks as possible, since it has been seen that the wood is very prone to breakage when used in a hurry. The Seahorse build a platform for a cannon way to 9.

This plan of attack was that the three frigates of his squadron, which had less depth than the big ships, come close to the coast as possible in the dark and would land troops to attack the upper and batteries northeast of the city. Navy Captain Troubridge of Culloden would be responsible for the landing force. The bomber Ray would then open fire in the city at that time with their mortars. At dawn the ships of the line would come prepared to bomb the city. Unless you hayaran merchant ships at the dock and its cargo and all the treasure or bullion that had landed in the city were handed over, the city would be destroyed by the bombing. On day 18 the crew was devoted to instruction handguns. On 20 Troubridge moves to Theseus to receive final instructions and details of operation. The landing force consisted of 200 men per ship of the line, 100 more for each of the frigates, completed by 80 gunners, ie about 1,000 men. The landing maneuver comprise two phases. The first would land about two miles northeast of the pier in Santa Cruz, on the beach of Valle Seco, to take envelopment maneuver Castle High Pass. In the second phase, if the city surrendered after conquering Paso Alto, would head to the pier, to take the city from there.


Troubridge Nelson Order:
Theseus, at sea, July 20
Lord
I wish you to take under your command the number of sailors and Marines appointed outside (a), which will be under the command of Captains Hood, Miller, Fremantle, Bowen and Waller, and Marines under the care of Captain Thomas Oldfield, and a detachment of the Royal Artillery commanded by Lieutenant Baynes, which are now embarked in the frigates Seahorse, Terpsichore and Emerald. With this detachment come near to the Plaza de Santa Cruz as much as you possible, trying not to be discovered, and then embark all those men who can carry the boats and made ​​their landing in the northeastern part of the bay of Santa Cruz, next a great strength. From the moment you are on earth, I recommend you first assault the battery, after which, once taken, and secured his position, proceed to assault and battery population of the head of the pier, or send my letter , as judge over the way, that contains an intimation of which I send you a copy, and the terms must be accepted or rejected within the time specified, unless you see some good cause to extend, but not alter its sense at all: and you held any other means it considers appropriate for the prompt fulfillment of my orders, which are the posesionarme of all cargoes and treasures that can be landed on the island of Tenerife. Taking the strongest confidence in his skill, courage and zeal, as well as that of all those under his command, I can only wish her ​​heart to triumph, and assure you that I am your most obedient and faithful servant.
Horatio Nelson

Here we present the intimidating letter Nelson wrote and gave Troubridge. No waste Nelson education at the beginning of it. Today might seem even mockery, but it was a language and customs of respect and admiration very common among senior officers even among countries at war:

Start the message of intimidation to the square:
Theseus, July 20.
I have the honor to inform you that I have come to demand the immediate surrender of the ship Prince of Asturias, from Manila bound for Cadiz, belonging to the Company of the Philippines, with his full and complete cargo, and likewise all those shipments, and properties that have been landed on the island of Tenerife, and not for the consumption of its inhabitants. And, being my ardent desire that not one of the inhabitants of the island of Tenerife suffer as a result of my request, I offer the most honorable and liberal terms, that if they are rejected, the horrors of war that will fall upon the inhabitants of Tenerife shall be charged for the world to you, and only you, because destroy Santa Cruz and other towns on the island by a bombing, demanding a heavy contribution to the island.

Article 1. They should give me time putting strong British forces in possession of the gates.

Article 2 °. The garrison lay down its arms, however allowing the officers to retain their swords and former, without status as a prisoner of war, will be transported to Spain or stay in the island, provided their conduct pleases the commanding officer.

Article 3. As long as they comply with the first article I cited deliver shipments and not be required to the inhabitants or the smallest contribution, on the contrary, under my protection shall safely in their persons and property. [...]

(H.Nelson)

Between 21 and July 22 starts the plan. However, the frigates with unexpected strong currents can not get within a mile of the coast and from the city turned alrma, losing strategic surprise, but not the tactic, since no one knew where they were to disembark. Could not perform naval bombardment as the ships could not approach and the frigates to be armed with direct fire naval guns could not do effective fire. A major flaw was having only one bomber shot mortars provided for lifting curved. Had not even famous carronades and howitzers were useless in this situation. Sailing boat in two formations. One consists of 23 boats and boats that were heading Bufadero ravine and the other with 16, was heading to the city center. But bad weather conditions and the arousal of the enemy do abort the landing and return to ships with some loss of boats that capsized. At 10 am on 22 frigates, towed by their boats anchored near the ravine Bufadero and landed 1,000 men who set foot on the beach of Valle Seco, despite the High Pass fire. The landing was made ​​in appalling conditions, some boats capsized in the dark and due to ignorance of the area were very scattered, and Artillery the absence of cavalry to their mobilization had to be carried by men, with fatigue and sluggishness that this entailed. The defending forces previously sent by Gutierrez on the ridge height of the British slows, these forces were composed of about 165 men chosen from the garrison. Gutierrez to the possibility that more men landed battalion chief ordered the Canary go to the nearby town of La Laguna to get more militant and who directed them to the Dry Valley, cutting the possible progression of the British. Thus, with 30 men of his battalion and 50 civilians, occupied the same day 22, after a very fast start, the planned objectives. Throughout the 23 were exchanged rifle fire and cannon. The British, stuck and unable to progress proceeded to reloading after giving Nelson the signal from the Theseus of withdrawal, with the loss of two men. The three frigates then sailed ravine near the Candelaria Hondo and trying to confuse and frighten defenders. But the truth is that Gutierrez, once again, was ahead of Nelson's intentions and had set forces in Santa Cruz, dejanto High Pass Castle only 30 men, better trained forces deployed in the Castle of San Cristobal in the southwest, leaving the Canary battalion in reserve to go where things got ugly. This coming and going of Spanish troops made ​​it appear that there were many more defenders. After unsuccessful attempts Nelson was with an unusual situation in his career to be resolved to save the honor of the Royal Navy. This summoned his captains to a meeting on 23 and told them that, having recognized the failure of his original plan, which had decided a direct assault on Santa Cruz at night. Nelson had decided to attack in the middle, going directly to the center of San Cristobal Castle, where he was most of the Spanish troops. Nelson ordered the attack, personally leading one of the six groups of collision, the other five were commanded by Captains Troubridge, Miller, Hood, Waller and Thompson. Nelson wrote to Jervis: "I will take command of all land forces for low fire of the batteries of the city and tomorrow my head will probably be crowned with laurel or cypress. " Of course Nelson was reluctant to stay in their flagship as required by their degree of admiral and commander in chief of the operation, and exposed to grave danger that could leave without charge to the landing force. Act brave, but irresponsible, as it turned out.

At 10:30 pm on July 24, the British marines and sailors around the ship were Zealous where they formed six groups, with 700 men. In addition to the cutter boats accompanied them Fox , with 180 chosen men and 80 in a Canarian schooner captured several days earlier. Swathed rowing for not making a lot of noise began to move the two miles that separated them from the beach. Managed to reach gunshot of the shore (about 300 meters) before being discovered by the Spanish frigate San Jose , which was anchored 500 meters from the pier, followed by Castle High Pass. The battle was waged on 5 fronts, the principal, the area around the Plaza de la Pila, Santos Gully, the beach of the Butchers, and the monastery of Santo Domingo. But the first to arrive on the beaches were wrong and had confused the rest of the troops, and most of their ammunition was unusable by the waves and lost part of his climb ladders.

The rest of the group was surprised by sustained fire from the Spanish batteries opened fire from Paso Alto to San Telmo castle with all sorts of projectiles, shrapnel and musketry musket, which led to the sinking of the cutter Fox with the loss 97 men. According to the attackers themselves seemed hell itself. Some of the commanders of batteries High Pass, San Miguel, San Antonio and San Pedro disputed the glory of success having sunk to said cutter. "commander of the castle of St. Peter, which was under his command and that immediately was the spring, said he was the first to sight the English boat and alerted other strengths with a cannon that shot. This data is very important and probably accurate, because nobody corrected later. " ( Juan Arencibia)

[To be alerted] referred the four batteries at once started a fire so alive and so united, that when the sea swallowed the cutter and therefore the four batteries were scuttled it because a single cannon shot two , three or four of a battery, they would not have destroyed so quickly. (Francisco de Tolosa. provincial Gunners captain)

The day before the attack opened a loophole in the wall of the castle of San Cristobal where we placed a 24-pound cannon at low altitude, to hinder the English landing on the beach that separated the castle of St. Peter. It is possible that, as the tradition, they were the cannon Tiger , but the fact unprovable as they were numerous guns in crossfire English tried to prevent access to the beach and pier. Without going to disembark Nelson was wounded in the right elbow by shrapnel as hell will fall from heaven, while Richard Bowen, commander of the Terpsichore , dies. Later, Nelson was angry with the British Admiralty, because it was ignored when applying for a monument or a plaque in the Cathedral of St. Paul of London in memory of Bowen, not even a mention in Parliament, the man who had considered one of the most promising British officers. The Admiralty replied that there were tributes to those who had been involved in an unfortunate fact to the British arms. With things so you understand the "fans" have English only feats and defeats. Bowen After the death of only a small group of British achieved cannons landed and nailed on the pier "was so alive and so nourished fire musketry and shrapnel that made ​​us from the citadel, windows and roofs of the surrounding houses, which was not poible go one step further, and the floor was strewn with our dead bodies " . (Part of Nelson to Jervis, July 27). Eventually they give up and more than fifty men are taken prisoner. Lieutenant Josiah Nisbet ('s stepson Nelson) Nelson caught as he fell wounded in the boat. "'m a dead man," he muttered as Josiah put him lying in the boat then tore the black silk handkerchief from his own neck and tied a tourniquet around his arm hurt. Josiah saw the admiral's life depended on an immediate return to the boat and the surgeon. Nelson refused to be taken aboard the frigate Seahorse was the closest vessel because distress that would hoist Betsey Fremantle captain and would have disastrous consequences for the morale of the troops, so far as the boat continued to meet with the ship Theseus . His right arm hung helpless on the one hand while with the left leaning to go on board the ship. "let me ride alone," cried the wounded Admiral "I have yet my legs and one arm useful. Tell the surgeon who is of hurry to prepare their instruments-I know I must lose my right arm, so the sooner the better. " An act brave face as disastrous landing. The rest of his group landed aground or in other areas where they are harassed by the militants. On the beach of land manage 450 British Butchers belonging to three of the six groups, which are directed to the center of the city under heavy fire. Unsuccessful attempt to take the fort of San Cristobal in the rear, despite setbacks, and showing great arrogance, Captain Troubridge sent a message to General Gutierrez to urge him to surrender, which of course was rejected outright (these messages from the British officer were likely to buy some time, so that potential reinforcements give them time to get into position). Then encerrase achieved with 340 surviving men under the command of Troubridge and Hood in the Dominican convent of La Consolacion, but were cognizant that this situation was untenable, and that the British warships could not come to give the troops landed reinforcements . The British captain had only 80 marines, 80 spearmen and 180 sailors armed with muskets. The remaining two groups of British landed on the beach of the Butchers and moved into the gorge of Saints. His attacks are successful at first, but the battalion attacked the flank Canary with items of Cuba and Havana, pushing up the Plaza de Santo Domingo, where they join forces Troubridge which are completely surrounded. 's battalion Islands, on order, occupies the dock in order to cut off the retreat of Troubridge and reinforcements. The regiment of La Laguna is directed to the dock in two columns, one for the rear of the Plaza de Santo Domingo, to prevent progression of the British inside, and the other column following the coastline. Payments and the movements of the defenders were executed quickly and efficiently. dawn Nelson tries Troubridge reinforce sending 15 boats to the dock. Drown coastal batteries three others tacked and returned to the ships. The battery in the dock, before now it was useless back in service, making it impossible to another attack. captain Troubridge after another ridiculous message urging surrender and realizing the sad truth Hood sent to parley with the governor. General Gutierrez that day of July 25 had acute asthma, although this forced the enemy to negotiate, which was actually a capitulation. Such were the conditions of trading.

"Santa Cruz, July 25, 1797
Troops & c. belonging to His Britannic Majesty will be shipped with all its weapons of all kinds, and carried their boats if they were saved, and they were franquearán others as needed, in consideration of the which in turn are obliged to not disturb the people in any way the ships of the British squadron that are before him, or any of the islands in the Canaries, and prisoners are returned by both parties.
Given under my signature and on my word of honor
Samuel Hood
Ratified by
T.Troubridge, commander of British troops. "

Nelson, who had always distinguished men who behaved honorably in war, write on board his vessel a letter of thanks to General Gutierrez for the treatment of his men and Troubridge delivered the day after he was about to collect the wounded British were in hospitals in the city.

"Theseus, on the outskirts of Tenerife, July 26, 1796 (date error)
I can not leave this island without giving Excellency the sincere thanks for your kind attention to me, and for humanity that has manifested with the wounded ours that were in his possession, or under his care, and for the generosity he had with all those who landed, so do not stop doing this to my Sovereign, and I hope over time to ensure VE VE am personally obedient as humble servant
Horatio Nelson "

To which the General replied:

"Sir, my maior attention: With pleasure I have received the VS very noticeable effect on your generosity and good way of thinking on my part because I believe that any man deserves laurels just doing what humanity will dictates, and this reduces what I have done for the wounded and to those who landed, whom devotion to consider as brothers from the moment they concluió Combat. If the state has led to the ever-uncertain future VS of War, could I, or the effects qualquiera this Island produce, be of any use or relief, it would be for me a real complacency, and I admit limetones VS a couple of wine, which I think is not the worst it produces. Serame personally very satisfying treat quando circumstances permit, to sugeto of so worthy and desirable items like VS manifest, and in the meantime I pray God save your life for long and happy years.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife 27 July 1797
VS BLM your obedient servant safer.
Dn. Antonio Gutierrez "

Nelson also promised to bring the news of the victory to the Peninsula. Unlike the Spanish enemy casualties were not excessive, with 30 dead and 40 wounded only, suffering the British 177 drowning deaths (due to the collapse of the Fox and the many boats sunk by fire or capsize), 51 killed in action, 5 missing and 128 wounded. Of all the casualties were 7 officers killed and five more wounded). As mentioned above Nelson was one of the wounded officers. In addition there were enough prisoners were returned to their ships. In Spain was taken as a revenge for the defeat at San Vicente six months ago, and since then for the British were far more substantial losses (and number of senior officers dead and wounded) suffered in that battle.

The re-embarkation of the British did with difficulty, as they had lost many boats and boats in the attacks and had to help them with boats and two Spanish brigs. General reembarcar left their enemies with weapons and with honors of war, when they had given up and left if any prisoners. It is true that with the untrained, undisciplined and unarmed militia, little to almost nothing could be done, so Antonio drafted a proclamation which recognizes indiscipline and little military spirit of these troops and amendment of bugs found in the units of fighters involved in the defense of the town of Santa Cruz de Tenerife that day, July 25, 1797.

Report of Troubridge to Nelson:
Culloden, July 25.
LORD:
Due to the darkness of the night is not immediately found the Dock, the point designated for the landing, but I moved to the coast under the battery of the enemy, near southern Citadel, Captain Waller landed at the same time and other two or three boats. The surf was so great that many fell, the boats were filled with water in an instant and crashed against the rocks, wetting most of the ammunition stored in the bags. As soon as I had met a few men I moved immediately to Captain Waller to the square, the meeting place, waiting to meet there with you and the rest of the people, and waited about an hour, during which time I sent a sergeant with two masters of the people to intimidate the citadel. Sergeant suspect killed in office since I have not heard from him since. Lost all levels of assault in the surf, or not possible to find them, we could not make any assault on the citadel, hence, marched to join Captains Hood and Miller, whom he had known who made ​​good his landing, with a portion of men, SW of where I had done. I then tried to acquire some news You and the rest of the officers, but without success.

At dawn we had gathered about eighty marines soldiers) eighty sailors armed with pikes and one hundred eighty sailors knew that these were all left alive who had made a good landing, with is tas forces, having been procured some ammunition from the Spanish prisoners we had done, we were marching to see what could be done with the citadel nonstop assault, and find all streets defended by field pieces, and more than 8000 Spanish and French armed 100 approaching from all avenues. Like all boats were destroyed, and saw the possibility of getting more men on the ground, with wet ammunition without provisions, sent to Captain Hood with flag of truce to the Governor to say he was ready to burn the village, which would lead to effect immediately if approached an inch, and at the same time I wished that Captain Hood said that this would be done with regret not wanting to harm the inhabitants, that if I accepted my terms, I was ready to parley, to which he agreed . I have the honor to transmit a copy of them by Captain Waller, hopefully matches your approval, and seem very honorable. Due to the small number of men, composed mostly of sailors armed with pikes and guns, can only be called irregular, with little ammunition in the bags but had wet in the surf on landing, could not hope to succeed in no attempt against the enemy, whose strength I have already mentioned above. Spanish Officials assured me that we expected and were well prepared, with all batteries and the aforementioned number of men under arms. This, coupled with the great disadvantage of a rocky coast, a heavy swell and deal with forty guns, show, though we did not succeed, what can an Englishman. I have the pleasure to inform you that on our return march through the town with the British colors waving in front of us.

PS I would also say that, once signed and ratified the terms, the Governor gave us in the most generous with a lot of wine, bread, etc.., To refresh people, giving us all care shows in their possession.
Thomas Troubridge

Under the conditions of trading the British worried that should not appear anywhere the word surrender or capitulation, when it was so much to be said, and that is where the British cling when they say that in this battle Nelson not surrendered, but have never concealed that it was a tragic day for its navy. I say as I say it was a unmitigated defeat, by number of dead and wounded men, damage to boats and ships and mainly, because it failed to achieve their goal to take over the city.

The same day 25 General Gutierrez sent a letter to the King in a first report to the knowledge of confrontation by the Spanish authorities:

"The current 22 day dawned the square in front of an English fleet consisting of three ships of 74, three frigates, one bomber, a cutter and a small boat with their boats formed into two divisions, the first and very near land, and ready to land their troops on our left. Mandé make the alarm, and she veered round and rowed in on enemy boats outside.

At 7 returned to follow his first direction, landing outside the scope of our canyon Valle Seco Beach, in which the three frigates anchored immediacy: I immediately take the commanding heights and ensure the passes, so frustrated by watching this share their ideas, having maintained its position throughout the day, re-embarked that night, and at dawn the next day they sailed the whole of the squad.

The 24 dawned in sight with another vessel increase; boltegeando remained, and in the afternoon anchored on our left, giving signs of wanting to attack the castle of High Pass. These preparations, far from fool, I was persuaded that his real intention was to attack and assault the front, so I gave the provisions that seemed suitable for in that case reject, without detracting from the left.

Indeed the evening of yesterday approached Paso Alto a frigate and the bomber, beginning to bombard the castle, and at 2 and a half in the morning stormed the front at various points, and all with courage and vigor, despite getting our well-directed shrapnel, internalize its troops in the village: and they're fighting with ours, until at 4 this morning I requested that they surrender the place, in which case no one would hurt, and that otherwise the fire to : said I still had gunpowder, bullets and people; continued paddling. Subsequently there was an officer on behalf of the Commander, manifesting it was not his intention to harm anyone in his person or interest, and so we do not bother if they were given SM flows but otherwise could not answer the consequences: gave the same answer, and short time came to parley the second commander of the troops, doing the same proposal, to which I replied in the same terms as the above, and as a result re-embarked.

The English had a considerable loss, for the purpose of such ill-fated expedition commanded by officers expensive most credit, Admiral Nelson lost his arm, his second was wounded also that several other officers, Captain Bowen died and many soldiers, being also significant the number of injuries and our loss of little consideration.

I make this relationship very quickly, making it more circumstantial reservándomela another time, without having to skip so now beg VE found out that while the King of glory who have gotten their Royal Arms, will serve him well this, you just want times to prove my zeal for its best service, and my love for her Real person. "
(Source: Madrid Gazette of August 25, 1797. Found and transcribed by Everything Babor ).

On the afternoon of 26 British ships paid funeral honors with 25 gun salute and lowering their flags, in memory of the late Commander Bowen, commander of the frigate Terpsichore , died yesterday. The frigate Emerald Cadiz delivered as promised Nelson, the part of the Spanish victory. Gen. Gutierrez had shown great military intuition to thwart all attempts at landing, anticipating the movements of the British, took the field and exploited the full potential of their forces, being accurately obeyed his orders. He was joined by good mobility of elite troops and gunners who had managed to sink many boats and a cutter. His Majesty King Carlos IV amounts to Gutierrez, giving the Knights also Esparragal in order Alcantara. His health worsened and shortly before four in the morning of April 22, 1799 was called the family doctor who diagnosed palsy (paralysis of the arm and leg). He died on May 14 of that year and was buried in the chapel of St. James of the Parish of the Conception of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Santiago. Nelson had made ​​a disastrous action. Without denying the value of this marine, acted in a manner so bold as ill-conceived plans. Great strategist cabotage operations had shown that in transactions outside the vessels failed miserably, as happened also in Cadiz and Brest. Nelson's confidence in itself and, above all, the underestimation of the defenders, were the main reason for their defeat. According to statements made ​​by Troubridge were unknown beaches, hydrography and meteorology of the area. The sea state meant the dispersion and the collapse of some boats. The naval bombardment was ineffective as we stated above, as there were only a bombard armed with mortars, only weapon capable of hurting defenses, so the number of troops was insufficient for such an enterprise. They landed 1,000 men against 1,600, but Nelson believed that the Spanish were even 8,000, due to the high mobility that they had and it seemed that most defenders, which made ​​the attack even more reckless. A blow to the ego of Nelson and his arrogance.

Official Report from Nelson to Jervis:
Theseus, July 28, in front of Santa Cruz
Lord,
In obedience to his orders to make a vigorous assault on the village of Santa Cruz on the island of Tenerife, sent from the different ships under my command 1,000 men , which included the marines, to prepare for landing under the direction of the ship of Captain Troubridge Culloden, and Captains Hood, Thompson, Fremantle, Bowen, Miller and Waller, who very kindly offered their voluntary services; but I am under the painful necessity to inform you that we have been able to succeed in our assault, it is my duty to say that I think most daring intrepidity never showed for masters, officers and men you did the honor to place under my command and the report which I send you attached, I hope will convince you that my arrangements, humble as they are, have been exercised on the present occasion. I enclose also a list of the dead and wounded, and among the first, with and deepest pain, I have to put the name of Captain Richard Bowen, the ship Terpsichore, the more enterprising officer, competent and brave who served in the Her Majesty's Navy, and with great sadness I have to mention the loss of Lieutenant John Gibson, commander of Fox cutter, and a large number of brave officers and men.
(H.Nelson)

The Castles of Santa Cruz
When Nelson atta or they were, from north to south, the castles and fortified redoubts: Torre de San Andrés, High Pass Castle, Fort San Miguel (in the mouth of the ravine Tahodio) batteries Santa Teresa (on the right bank of the ravine), Candelaria, Santiago, San Rafael, Pilar, San Antonio and Santa Isabel (all current near the site occupied by the barracks de Almeida), Fort San Pedro, batteries Rosa ( by the Alameda), Pier and Santo Domingo (near the castle of San Cristobal), Main Castle or San Cristobal de la Concepción batteries (where the Cabildo building), San Telmo (right bank of the ravine Santos) and San Francisco (at Caleta de Negros), castle of San Juan and batteries Crosses and Barranco Hondo (in Puerto Caballos). These castles and fortified redoubts armed with cannons nearly a hundred and a dozen mortars, were united by a wall and made ​​a square of Santa Cruz virtually impregnable. He could never be occupied by the enemies of Spain.

Title and privileges
This triumph led to the council to request title and merits, and so much so that, in fact, once the British ships withdrew the bay of Santa Cruz, confirming the failure of his expedition, the authorities thought enforce their merits before the monarch and also gratitude to heaven that had protected.

Thanksgiving was a result of a collective demonstration, led by the city, which was held on July 29, 1797 and where the patron saints hailed, completing the name of the place that, thereafter, be called Holy Santiago Cruz de Tenerife.

The truth is that the city, not without misgivings, eventually asking the Crown, with great discretion, three things as if they were one: the title and privilege of Villa, rating very Noble and Invicta Villa, Port and Plaza, and changing its name.

Contrary to what was standard procedure in such cases, the procedures were resolved fairly quickly and the November 21, 1797 was signed the royal decree by which Santa Cruz was granted the title of town and privilege villazgo.

With the arrival of the news, the council resolved to live three nights of lights, with drum and ringing of bells, and although the issue of title was immediate and the file was lost, after three years everything was settled.

Corporal Carlini Correa
Following the resounding victory of Spanish troops landed nies over men by Admiral Nelson in Tenerife, General Antonio Gutiérrez rose to the highest levels of rewards Spanish a request for the most outstanding in Week 25 July 1797. As expected controls included the more meanings, which are intended for immediate use superior. In the relationship were the chiefs and officers, Salcedo, Marquelli, Estranio, Guinther, Greagh, Prat, Rosillo, Siera, etcetera. Quite normal. It was a widespread increase request in which all were given the same merit, which ultimately proved ineffective, because there was no promotion. There was an exception, because the relationship is included in the merit detailed specified. General Gutierrez made ​​a special mention of the Guimar Regiment out of Diego Correa, who proposed for promotion to the rank of second lieutenant. It was a good jump. What were your merits? For Correa was on duty at the battery of La Concepcion. From his position he saw the dawn of July 25 a British ship capsized as they tried to approach the coast. Correa harangued a handful of soldiers and launched on the British who were trying to reach the beach. He fought against them and captured 17 prisoners led to the castle of San Cristobal to the general surprise. Also seized their weapons, others a small cannon campaign. Correa, born in La Laguna in 1772, was an adventurer. He married at age 19 with Pilar Bottino, daughter of a Genoese merchant living in La Laguna. In 1803 came the promotion to lieutenant. After exercise mountains Senior Guardian for one year, embarked with the rank of captain to Cadiz in 1808. In 1910 appears in the United States later in Havana, in Gibraltar, Madrid ... In 1836 he was appointed mayor in the Philippines, where he died in 1843.

The coat of arms of Santa Cruz has three severed heads of a lion, the heraldic animal of England. The British have seemed to have a special inclination to conquer the island. Therefore, the three lion heads recall the three victories achieved against these: Blake (1657), Jennings (1706) and Nelson (1797). Of the three, the most important was the last. Following this victory, King Carlos IV gave Santa Cruz the category of Villa, their honorific titles, his coat of arms and its incorporation as a municipality.




[Shipping original and translation of Manuel Garcia ]
Reprinted directly from this link.
http://www.todoababor.es/articulos/tenerife1797.htm

Also more information at these links.
http://www.sailsofglory.org/showthre...ro-y-Santayana
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_...enerife_(1797)
http://www.sailsofglory.org/showthre...ght=SANTA+CRUZ
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ry_Islands.svg

[csadn]

Ever looked at a map of the area for the period? There was no way on this earth anything less than a major strike force could take the place -- and even then, they'd have to come in from somewhere else, and march.

[Cmmdre]

The British presumed too much and luck if there is such a thing was not on their side.