1804 Battle of Cape Santa Maria

I just purchased this, this morning. Its a signed 1804 (20 Dec) imprint from King Carlos 4th signed by his prime minister Manuel Godoy (aka the Prince of Peace).

In 1802 Spain and the British signed the Treaty of Amiens ending the Anglo-Spanish War. In Oct 1804, at the Cape of Santa Maria, the british surpise attacked 3 treasure frigates sunk 1 captured 2 and siezed a large amount of gold bullion. The british believe once the Spanish recieved the gold shipment in Cadiz they would declare ware on them because of pressure by Napoleon so they did a pre-emptive strike and re-ignited the Anglo-Spanish War

The imprint notifies Spaniards of the unprovoked attack and declaration of war on the British. It is signed the prince of peace.

On a side note: Charles 4th was not an ambitious man and really did not wish to be King and preferred to be hunting. He was quite a free spirit. Almost all matters were handled by his prime minister (Godoy) and the queen.

 

"...declaration of war on the British. It is signed the prince ofpeace."

 

That happens when you attack treasure frigates sink 1 and capture 2.