HMS Conqueror (1801)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
-
For other ships with the same name, see HMS Conqueror.
HMS Conqueror a 74-gun 3rd rate ship of the line which fought at Trafalgar under the command of Captain Israel Pellew, brother of Sir Edward Pellew. Pellew's captain of marines took the surrender of the overall commander of the French-Spanish fleet, Admiral Villeneuve's sword, aboard the French ship Bucentaure (80). However, he was not able to deliver the sword back to the Conqueror as she had passed on to engage another ship and it was received by the captain of Mars.
Villeneuve is supposed to have asked to whom he was surrendering. On being told it was Captain Pellew, he replied, "There is no shame in surrendering to the gallant Sir Edward Pellew." When he was informed that the Conqueror's captain was Sir Edward's brother, he said, "England is fortunate to have two such brothers."
