Folios 241-242: Sir Richard John Strachan Bart., HMS Donegal, off Cape St Maria....

Folios 241-242: Sir Richard John Strachan Bart., HMS Donegal, off Cape St Maria. Reports that he has fallen in with the Spanish Frigate Matilda and for the reason's mentioned in the accompanying paper & Letter from Lord Nelson have detained her and send her under then care of Captain John Gore of HMS Medusa to England. With the week state of the Garrison of Gibraltar is considered, the Force of the Enemy at Cadiz and how offensively it might be employed had the Frigate been prevented from proceeding on her voyage and obliged to return to Cadiz and if she had been allowed to proceed most likely charged with orders to apprize the Spanish Settlements abroad of the probability of Hostilities between the two countries.

Folios 242-243: enclosure with folios 241-242. Letter dated 23 October 1804 by Sir Richard John Strachan Bart., HMS Donegal, off Cape St Maria to The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Nelson KB etc., [HMS Victory]. Reports that he has fallen in with the Spanish Frigate Matilda from Cadiz bound to the Spanish West Indies with Quick Silver to work the Mines. As he had some doubts how far he should be justified in detaining her, or forcing her to return into the Port of Cadiz, and feeling it of importance in the present conjunction not to allow her to proceed on her voyage. He summoned Captain John Gore to a Council to have his opinion. my proposition and his opinion are herewith sent ands as he agreed with him in deciding to detain the Spanish Frigate till His Majesty's pleasure is known. He has sent a note to the Spanish Commander to desire him to surrender to our wishes and gave him five minutes to decide without compelling us to fire - the time being expired a few shots were fired and he struck the Spanish Flag. He has directed Captain John Gore to proceed to Plymouth, or if he cannot get there , to Portsmouth where he is to wait the Commands of the Admiralty.

Folios 243-244: enclosure with folios 241-242. [Folio 243] Notes of Captain Sir Richard John Strachan Bart., HMS Donegal. On the Council meeting held on 23 October 1804. [Folio 242] Notes of Captain John Gore, HMS Medusa held on 23 October 1804 on HMS Donegal.