Nelson's mind had long been irritated and depressed by the fear that a general action would take place before he could join the fleet.

At length he sailed from Porto Ferrajo with a convoy for Gibraltar; and having reached that place, proceeded to the westward in search of the admiral.

Off the mouth of the Straits he fell in with the Spanish fleet; and on the 13th of February reaching the station off Cape St.Vincent, communicated this intelligence to Sir John Jervis.

He was now directed to shift his broad pendant on board the CAPTAIN, seventy-four, Captain R.W.

Miller; and before sunset the signal was made to prepare for action, and to keep, during the night, in close order.