bore from the commodore and his line, the one south-west, or nearly astern, distant about 14 miles, the other west-south-west, or a little upon the lee quarter, distant about seven miles. A trifle to the westward of the R�volutionnaire's line of bearing, and just out of gun-shot from the enemy, lay the �olus ; and, much nearer, the Santa-Margarita and Phoenix, who had already performed so well, and who were still doing their utmost to cripple the rearmost French ship.

Having announced to Captains Gardner and Lee, by hailing, that he should attack the centre and rear of the enemy, Sir Richard edged away for the French admiral ; as did the two former, in like manner, for M. Dumanoir's two seconds astern. At about 15 minutes past noon the Cæsar opened her larboard guns upon the Formidable, then, as well as her three companions, carrying topsails and topgallantsails with courses clewed up, and having the wind, as before, about a point abaft the starboard beam. In a minute or two after the Cæsar had begun firing, the Hero and Courageux, in quick succession, discharged their broadsides into the Mont-Blanc and Scipion. The three French ships instantly returned the fire, and a spirited action ensued. At this time the Namur was about 10 miles astern, using every effort to get up.

At about 50 minutes past noon the Cæsar hoisted the signal for close action. At 10 h. 55 m. P.M. the Duguay-Trouin, gallantly luffed up, with the intention of raking the Cæsar ahead ; but the latter, luffing up also, avoided the salute. This period of the action we have endeavoured to illustrate by the following diagram.

Either by accident or design, the Duguay-Trouin went in stays, and, while rapidly passing, on the larboard tack, under the lee, successively, of the Cæsar and Hero, received from each of them, particularly from the latter, which ship she almost touched, a heavy and destructive fire.

The French admiral, in the mean time, having made a signal to that effect tacked to support his gallant second ahead, and was followed in the manoeuvre by the two ships in his wake ; but having had her rigging much disabled by the Cæsar's fire,

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