eing that they had their own port
(the Texel) directly to leeward, and being doubtful that they would
run in there for shelter, or at least go nearer to the shore, made the
signal to chase at thirty-five minutes past four, which obliged every
ship to make sail instead of preparing for action with a superior
enemy. At five, Admiral Zoutman hoisted Dutch colours, and his
men-of-war drew out from the convoy, which took their station under
the lee to await the event. At half-past five, the admiral made the
Tartar's signal to stay by, and part company with the convoy, which
then hauled their wind, made sail to the south-west, and was soon out
of sight and danger.

At ten minutes past six, the signal for the line of battle abreast was
made, which allowed the headmost ships to take in small sails; and
immediately after another signal was given for the Dolphin and Preston
to change stations; this was a serious mistake, as it led our squadron
to believe that the admiral meant to engage the ship ahead of the
Dutch admiral, and not that of the latter, which was actually his
intention. This unfortunately placed the Dolphin in opposition to one
of the largest of the enemy's vessels; and while it left the rear-ship
(the Bienfaisant) for some time without an opponent, the van-ship
Berwick and the Dolphin had to engage three of the enemy.

In the mean time, the Dutch were regularly drawn up in a line of
battle ahead, on the larboard tack, the ships being about a cable's
length apart, and keeping a point from the wind, with their sails well
proportioned to each other. They appeared in excellent order, their
hammocks stowed, and marines drawn up on the poop.

At fifty-six minutes past seven, the signal for close action was made,
and, to the astonishment of our squadron, the enemy never fired a
shot, although they might have done considerable damage to our ships
had they opened their fire on them as they approached end on to them,
on their weather beam. Not a gun was fired on either side until within
half-musket shot, when the red flag was hoisted on both ships. Up to
that moment all was silent, and it is scarcely possible to conceive a
silence more solemn and impressive! At the same instant, they saw the
signal go to the mast-head of Zoutman's ship. The dreadful silence was
now broken by the tremendous roar of cannon when within pistol-shot,
and the battle raged with the utmost fury for three hours and forty
minutes.

At ten o'clock