ten minutes past noon
Nobly , I believe , one and all did their duty ; and , oh ! may Englishmen never forget that signal in whatever work they may be engaged . It was received with loud cheers throughout the fleet both by officers and men . The _ Royal Sovereign _ , Lord Collingwood 's ship , led the lee division , and at ten minutes past noon commenced the action , by passing close under the stern of the _ Santa Anna _ , discharging her larboard broadside into her , and her starboard one at the same time into the _ Fougueux _ . These two ships fired at her in return , as did the _ San Leandro _ ahead , and the _ San Justo _ and _ Indomitable _ , until other ships came up and engaged them . The action was now general . All that could be seen were wreaths of smoke , masts and spars falling , shattered sails , shot whizzing by , flames bursting out with a tremendous roar of guns , and a constant rattle of musketry ; ships closing and firing away at each other , till it appeared impossible that they could remain afloat .