Four Frigates Capturing Spanish Treasure Ships Off Cape Santa Maria, Portugal, 5 October 1804 | Francis Sartorius | 1807

The Capture of Spanish Treasure Ships, 5 October 1804. Four British frigates intercepted and captured Spanish treasure ships off Cape Santa Maria, Portugal, despite Britain and Spain technically being at peace. The Spanish convoy, carrying gold and silver from Montevideo, was bound for Cadiz, with its wealth ultimately destined for France. When Spanish Admiral Don José Bustamante y Guerra refused to surrender, battle ensued. Within ten minutes, the 'Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes' exploded, killing most on board. The 'Medea' and 'Santa Clara' surrendered soon after, while the 'Fama' attempted to flee but was chased down by 'Lively.'

The captured treasure, valued at £900,000 in 1804 (over £35 million today), enriched the British captains but provoked Spain to declare war on Britain on 12 December 1804. British casualties were minor, while the Spanish suffered 388 losses. In Spain, the action was seen as piracy; in Britain, a wartime necessity. The event is depicted in Sartorius's 1807 painting, showing the battle’s key moments.

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