British Navy Age-of-Sail

[beatrice_otter]

I have a British Naval officer commanding a sloop during the Napoleonic wars. Given skill, daring, and luck, what is the largest French-or-Spanish merchant ship he could reasonably take? What would be the most valuable cargo for it to be carrying? (Obviously, his ship is much too small to be going after, like, Spanish treasure galleons carrying silver.)

Comments

[beatrice_otter]

By the time of the Peninsular campaign, yes, the Spanish were British allies. But in the earlier portion of the war, Spain was a French ally, and British ships did take Spanish ships as prizes--at least three times during the Napoleonic Wars, English ships captured Spanish treasure ships.

[kitarella_imagines]

Ah I see. That’s the problem of being a go-between isn’t it, I didn’t have much idea of the era, subject or details, so I just passed on a vague message to husband and so got a vague one back 😅

Now you and he have explained the details to me I know better. Hopefully I helped you a bit though, I always try to help, even though I get it wrong sometimes. 😊

[beatrice_otter]

No, you were very helpful, thank you!

[kitarella_imagines]

Oh good 😊🥰