Hannibal

Posted by Jon Miller on Monday 20th of July 2026 01:55

Loss of he Hannibal: It is with extreme concern that we have to state the loss of this fine ship, and her brave officers and crew. But while we lament her loss, we feel the greatest pride in that spirit of noble daring, so characteristic of our Navy on all occasions, which she displayed. According to the account in the Moniteur, which arrived with other French papers on Wednesday, the French fleet, commanded by Admiral Linois, consisted of two 80-gun ships, a 74, and a frigate. They appeared before Gibraltar at the moment a part of Sir James Saumarez’s fleet arrived there – not consisting of several 90-gun ships, as the French state, but of the following:- the Caesar, of 80 guns (the flag ship) Captain Brenton; Audacious, of 74 guns, Sir Robert Barlow, Knt; Hannibal, of 74 guns, Captain Ferris; Spencer, of 74 guns, Captain Darby; Pompée, of 80 gins, Captain Stirling; Thames frigate, of 32 guns, Captain Holles (acting), and the Unicorn frigate, of 32 guns, Captain Wemyss. It is supposed, these were to be reinforced by the Superb, of 74 guns, Captain Keats; and the Venerable, of 74 guns, Captain S Hood. The French Admiral anchoring in the Bay of Algesiras, awaited our attack, which they state commenced very warmly, and was conducted on both sides with a desire to conquer. ‘Already,’ says the Moniteur, the Hannibal had succeed in placing itself between the French squadron and the shore - the decisive moment was come;’ and strange to relate, is says further, that in a quarter of an hour an English ship struck its flag; and the next moment the Hannibal did the same. Within the hour the English squadron cut their cables and sailed away. The ship that first struck was towed away by gun-boats sent out from Gibraltar. [Portsmouth Telegraph, 27 July 1801]