The British Squadron under Sir James Suamarez advancing to the attack of the French Squadron under the Batteries of Algesiras on the Morning of the 6th of July 1801

Anxious to profit from the situation, Spain joined France in her war against England in 1796. By 1801, even after the decisive defeat of their fleet at the Battle of St. Vincent, the Spanish navy still constituted a serious threat to British interests, especially in the vicinity of Gibraltar. Matters were eventually eased by a significant victory in Algesiras Bay by the Royal Navy on 12 July 1801 although this was preceded by a smaller and somewhat indecisive engagement on 6 July. Rear-Admiral Sir James Saumarez bravely ran his squadron under the batteries of Algesiras Bay to attack three French ships-of-the-line and a frigate at their moorings. Two French vessels were driven ashore although Saumarez lost H.M.S. Hannibal which also ran aground and was captured. Both sides then withdrew to lick their wounds prior to the main battle six days later.