Volltext Seite (XML)
178 LETTERS FROM SPAIN. Lord Collingwood sent a flag of truce to demand his prisoner, whose accidental liberation was owing to the clemency of the victor, but Alava preferred the tranquillity of Cadiz to the redemption of his honour, and refused to consider himself so far a prisoner as to relinquish his command till he was regularly exchanged. When a reconciliation between England and Spain was brought about by the revolution, Lord Collingwood visited Cadiz, but Alava, as if con scious that he had lost his honour in the estimation of this gallant man, dared not face him, but kept away till his Lordship had returned to his fleet. I should be sorry, however, to omit mentioning the names of some true patriots among the naval officers of Spain : Lobo, who commands a fine frigate, is one of the best of their officers, and his patriotism is equal to his courage, and his talents. Miguel Alava, nephew to the Admiral, though he now commands a regiment, be cause the activity of the land service is at this time more congenial to his mind than the repose of the navy, must still be classed among naval officers, and is one of the best patriots in Spain. And above all, Alviar, a veteran in the service, is zealous for the cause of his country, and rejoices in her union with England: this officer com manded one of the four Spanish frigates which were intercepted be fore the war began; he had passed some years in South America in the course of his service, and was returning to Spain, with his wife, his children, and his wealth. When they met the British squadron, he was in a boat, returning from his commander, when his ship began to engage, and he soon saw the horrid spectacle of her explo sion, and the destruction of all that he valued in life. He was carried