twenty-seven ships of the line and four frigates, was brought to a
high stage of proficiency and discipline, and placed under command of
Lord Horatio Nelson. His second in command was Admiral Collingwood,
who succeeded him after his death. The French fleet was increased to
thirty-three ships of the line and five frigates, the addition being
the Spanish contingent under Admirals Gravina and Alava. The Spanish
vessels joined Villeneuve from Cadiz about the middle of May. The plan
of the French commander was to rally a great squadron, cross the
Atlantic to the West Indies, return as if bearing down on Europe, and
raise the blockades at Ferrol, Rochefort and Brest.

As soon as it was known, however, that Nelson was abroad, his
antagonist became wary and all of his movements were marked with
caution. Meanwhile Lord Nelson sought for the allied-fleet on the
Mediterranean, but found it not. He then passed through the Straits of
Gibraltar and sailed for the coast of South America; but before
reaching his destination he learned that the Spanish fleet had sailed
for Europe again. Nelson followed, but did not fall in with the enemy.
Villeneuve, gaining knowledge of the movements of the English admiral,
and disregarding the instructions of Napoleon, withdrew from Ferrol to
the south and put in at Cadiz. It was here that Nelson, so to speak,
brought the allied fleet to bay.

On the southern coast of Spain, between Cadiz and Gibraltar, the Cape
of Trafalgar projects into the Atlantic. In the autumn Nelson's fleet
beat southward into this part of the seas, and it was here that the
battle was fought. The rival commanders were eager for a meeting, and
each foresaw that the contest was likely to be decisive. Each admiral
had behind him a long list of naval achievements, and each to his own
nation was greatly endeared.