Battle of Cape St. Vincent in the Liberal Wars

Background. The Liberal Wars were a civil war in Portugal from 1828 to 1834 between constitutionalists and traditionalists. In February 1833, Charles Napier accepted command of the Liberal Fleet, replacing Captain George Rose Sartorius. The Miguelite fleet at Cape St. Vincent was the last significant naval force Don Miguel could muster, as other naval forces had been lost in the Battle of the Tagus in 1831.

Engagement. Napier arrived at Cape St. Vincent on 3 July 1833. After two days of manoeuvring in calm and very light winds, he engaged the Miguelite fleet on 5 July. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Liberal fleet. This naval success supported the broader Liberal operations, including the eventual entry of the Duke of Terceira into Lisbon in July 1833.

Aftermath. Following the battle, Napier continued his services by commanding land forces in the successful defence of Lisbon in September 1833. He captured the Miguelite steamer The Lord of the Isles at Sao Martinho on 12 September 1833. The war concluded in May 1834 with the Battle of Asseiceira and the peace treaty at Evoramonte, leading to Miguel's exile.