nd enemies; but with intrepid coolness the captain
would not return the fire, lest he should increase the disorder,
and, keeping close to the Spanish coast, he retired from the
combatants. He was followed by a division of the British fleet
of three ships, and a frigate: and, at break of day, being in
sight of Cadiz, and five leagues distant from the squadron, he
was attacked by three ships, with which he was engaged
half-an-hour, and obliged two of them to retire: the third
endeavoured to attack Le Formidable on the quarter, while the
frigate cannonaded her in stern. But, notwithstanding the bad
state of his masts, Captain Troude approached within musket-shot
of the British ship, the Pompee, which, having lost her mast,
after an engagement of an hour and a half, made haste to get
away, being taken in tow by a frigate. Some time after, both of
her masts came down, and the vessel had the appearance of having
yielded; but, as the two other ships and the frigate were at a
short distance, Captain Troude would not take possession of her:
he expected to be attacked again. The enemy, disconcerted both
in their fire and their bravery, suffered him quietly to pursue
his course.

This engagement took place in sight of Cadiz; and the glorious
result of a combat so unequal, by covering our arms with glory,
has filled the hearts of the Spaniards with the utmost degree of
enthusiasm. Le Formidable was scarcely repaired after the battle
of Algeziras, on the 6th,--top-gallant-mast served as top-masts;
but, in this damaged state, the brave Troude, instead of flying
from the enemy, who might have captured him without firing a
shot, offered them battle, as by this manoeuvre, as prudent as
bold, he first extricated himself from two ships, which he
greatly damaged, and at last totally dismasted the Pompee,[40]
which fought him bravely for an hour and a half.

[40] M. Dumanoir le Pelley is in error here. The Pompee was not
in this action. It has been seen that she was lying disabled at
Gibraltar.

The combined squadron was at that time becalmed, at the distance
of five or six leagues. I expected to see it, on the breeze
springing up, come to take possession of this vessel, and give
chase to capture the four British ships which were in sight; but
I was far from having any idea of the misfortune which befel the
two thr