the wreck of the main and mizen masts already lay, on the starboard side, prevented the Achille from making the slightest resistance ; and, after a few unreturned broadsides from the Brunswick, the French ship struck her colours. It was, however, wholly out of the Brunswick's power to take possession, and the Achille very soon rehoisted her colours, and, setting her spritsail, endeavoured to escape.

In about half an hour after the dismasting of the Achille, and when the latter, by the aid of her spritsail, had got to some distaince from the Brunswick and Vengeur, another ship was seen bearing down, in the direction in which the Achille had approached, and which ship, fortunately for the Brunswick, proved to be the Ramillies. Meanwhile the two fast-locked combatants continued in hot action ; on the part of the Brunswick, the fire from her quarterdeck, forecastle, and poop, was but feebly maintained. From the destructive effects of the Vengeur's musketry, it became difficult to stand to the guns there situated ; but the fire from the two principal decks of the Brunswick was maintained as vigorously as in the early part of this hard contested action.

On the lower deck, the seamen, profiting by the rolling of the Vengeur, frequently drove home the coins, and depressed the muzzles of the guns, each of which was loaded with two round shot, and then again withdrew the coins, and pointed the muzzles upwards ; thus, alternately, firing into their opponent's bottom, and ripping up her decks. During this deliberate and destructive operation, Captain Harvey was knocked down by a splinter ; but, although seriously hurt, he was presently on his legs again. Soon afterwards, however, the crown of a double-headed shot, which had split, struck his right arm, and this gallant officer was compelled to go below. The command of the Brunswick now devolved upon Lieutenant William Edward Cracraft.

At about 45 m. p.m. the two ships, having remained three hours entangled, swang off from each other, and, tearing away

* On this occasion, Captain Harvey is reported to have addressed his crew in the following words : " Persevere, my brave lads, in your duty. Continue the action with spirit, for the honour of our king and country; and remember my last words,- The colours of the Brunswick shall never be struck."