Hornblower and the Atropos — C.S. Forester

Here is the fourth exciting novel in the world-acclaimed saga of Horatio Hornblower, the most famous naval hero in all fiction. He's a captain now, in command of HMS Atropos, a sloop of war, admittedly the smallest ship in the British navy, but as fast and responsive as even Hornblower could ask.

It is 1806, and the British have destroyed the French and Spanish fleets in the Atlantic. Now the navy is carrying its might into the Mediterranean, to head off any moves that Bonaparte -- who is in command of Continental Europe -- might make there. It is to be the French army versus the Royal Navy. And Hornblower plays a thrilling and important role in the conflict.

But first he must supervise the funeral of Lord Nelson, lead a search for buried treasure in Turkish waters, and fight a gallant battle with a Spanish frigate that far outguns the
Atropos .. .