San Josef was captured by Nelson at the Battle of Cape St Vincent in February 1797. This occasion became known as 'Nelson's Patent Bridge for Boarding First-rates' as he captured San Josef from the deck of another captured Spanish vessel, San Nicholas.

San Josef was refitted in 1801 at Plymouth as the only prize first-rate to serve in the Royal Navey. Due to her glorious capture and size - 114 guns - the ship merited a full colour plan, ususual for this era of Admiralty draughts.