ot away the main and mizen top-masts
and main-yard. The enemy appeared in great confusion, being reduced
to his head-sails, going with the wind on the quarter. The Lion was
run close along-side, the yard-arms of both ships being just clear,
when a destructive broadside, of three round shot in each gun, was
poured in, luffing up across the bow, when the enemy's jib-boom
passed between the main and mizen shrouds. After a short interval,
I had the pleasure to see the boom carried away, and the ships
disentangled; maintaining a position across the bow, and firing to
great advantage. I was not the least solicitous, either to board or
to be boarded: as the enemy appeared of immense bulk, and full of
men, keeping up a prodigious fire of musketry; which, with the
bow-chasers, she could, for a long time, only use. I found it
absolutely necessary, if possible, to keep from the broadside of
this ship. After being engaged about forty minutes, the Foudroyant
was seen under a press of canvass; and soon passed, hailing the
enemy to strike: which being declined, a very heavy fire, from both
ships, broadside to broadside, was most gallantly maintained, the
Lion and Penelope being frequently in situations to do great
execution. In short, Sir, after an action, the hottest that
probably was ever maintained by an enemy's; ship, opposed to those
of his majesty, and being totally dismasted, the French admiral's
flag and colours were struck. I have not language to express the
high sense of obligation which I feel myself under to Captain
Blackwood, for his prompt and able conduct, in leading the line of
battle ships to the enemy, for the gallantry and spirit so highly
conspicuous in him, and for his admirable management of the
frigate. To your discriminating judgment, it is unnecessary to
remark, of what real value and importance such an officer must ever
be considered to his majesty's service. The termination of the
battle must be attributed to the spirited fire of the Foudroyant;
whose Captain, Sir Edward Berry, has justly added another laurel to
the many he has gathered during the war. Captain Blackwood speaks
in very high terms of the active and gallant conduct of Captain
Long of the Vincejo, during the night; and I beg to mention the
services of Captains Broughton and M