Action of 25 January 1797

Action of 25 January 1797
Part of the Anglo-Spanish War (1796–1808) during the War of the First Coalition

Battle between San Francisco de Asís and three British frigates and a corvette – oil on canvas, Naval Museum of Madrid
Date25 January 1797
Location36°50′N 7°10′W / 36.833°N 7.167°W / 36.833; -7.167
Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
 Great Britain Spain Spain
Commanders and leaders
Kingdom of Great Britain George Stewart Spain Alonso de Torres y Guerra
Strength
3 fifth-rate frigates,
1 sixth-rate sloop[1]
1 third-rate ship of line[1]
Casualties and losses
Unknown 2 killed
12 wounded
1 ship slightly damaged[2]
Action of 25 January 1797 is located in Europe
Action of 25 January 1797
Location within Europe

The action of 25 January 1797 was a minor naval battle of the French Revolutionary Wars, fought in the Gulf of Cádiz. The Spanish third-rate ship of the line San Francisco de Asís was attacked and pursued for several hours by a British squadron of three fifth-rates frigates and a sixth-rate corvette under George Stewart, 8th Earl of Galloway. After an intermittent but fierce exchange of fire, the British warships, badly damaged, were eventually forced to withdraw.[1][better source needed] The San Francisco de Asís, which suffered only minor damage, was able to return to Cádiz without difficulties. The commander of the ship, Captain Alonso de Torres y Guerra, was promoted for his success.

  1. ^ a b c San Juan p. 84.
  2. ^ Fernández Duro p. 82.