The Bombardment of Algiers in August 1783 was a failed attempt by Spain to put end to the Algerine privateering against Spanish shipping. A Spanish fleet of 70 sail under Rear admiral Antonio Barceló bombarded the city eight times between 4 and 8 August but inflicted only minor damages to the Algerine military. Both Spaniards and Algerines fought poorly, but Barceló, apologizing in unfavorable weather conditions, gave the order to withdraw. His expedition was judged a failure at the Spanish court, being described as a "festival of fireworks too costly and long for how little amused the Moors and was used by who paid it".