LETTERS FROM SPAIN. 176 LETTER XXVI. SPANISH MSN OF WAR—NAVAL OFFICERS—ADMIRAL ALAVA—ALVIAR NAVAL ARSENAL SKILL OF THE SPANIARDS IN MANAGING BOATS BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR. on CADIZ, NOV. 1809. Having partaken of the hospitality of Admiral Purvis hoard the Atlas, and having since visited the Santa Ana, the flag ship of Admiral Alava, I have been much gratified with the con trast ; the one affording an example of order, cleanliness, and sub ordination, the other of confusion, filth, and want of discipline. The Spanish men of war are in appearance very fine, but they should not be too nearly approached, and especially should not be visited. The men are bad, but the officers are worse, not only in personal appearance, but also in the knowledge of their profession, and in their utter inability to command. It is generally supposed that the officers of the Spanish navy are not very sincere patriots; that they would serve Spain if it continued independent; but that, in the event of its being subju gated by Buonaparte, they would prefer his service to that of a fu gitive government under the protection of England. It is not alto gether surprising that they should entertain such sentiments, as they