Maritime Archive and Library
Excerpt from a reprint of The Times, London, Thursday 7 November 1805, reporting the victory at Trafalgar and the death of Nelson. Reference number AO130/04
This vessel’s registry in Liverpool was cancelled in 1806 after her capture by the French in 1805 and her subsequent change in ownership. The detail of the certificate pictured here describes how the ship was:
‘Taken by the French Squadron under the command of Admiral Missafoy on the 22nd day of February 1805 and carried to Guadaloupe where she was condemned on the 3rd day of March 1805 as appears by copy of condemnation under the seal of the Vice Admiralty of that Island of St Bartholomew and since repurchased by British subjects all of which appears in Certificate of Registry granted at Roseau Dominion dated 29 April 1805, now delivered up and cancelled.’
During the Napoleonic War both sides endeavoured to sabotage the successful operation of the other’s trading links. Furthermore the capture of vessels as spoils of war could provide much-needed ships to strengthen both naval fleets and improve the capacity of merchant shipping.