e action with a few of her lower-deck guns; all
the rest were dismounted: two thirds of the ship's company were
killed and wounded, and those who remained prodigiously fatigued.
She was surrounded by enemy's ships, who mowed down the men every
broadside. At half past eleven o'clock, having only three
lower-deck guns that could defend the honour of the flag, it became
necessary to put an end to so disproportioned a struggle, and
Citoyen Martinet, captain of a frigate, ordered the colours to be
struck.

"The action in the rear of the fleet was very trifling, till three
quarters past eleven o'clock, when it became very warm. Three of
the enemy's ships were engaging them, and two were very near. Le
Tonnant, already badly treated, who was nearest the ships engaged,
returned a very brisk fire. About three o'clock in the morning, she
was dismasted, and obliged to cut her cables a second time; and,
not having any more anchors left, she drove on shore. Le Guillaume
Tell, Le Genereux, and Le Timoleon, shifted their births, and
anchored farther down, out of gun-shot. These vessels were not much
damaged. At half past three o'clock, the action ceased throughout
the line. Early in the morning, the frigate La Justice got under
weigh, and made several small tacks to keep near the Guillaume
Tell; and, at nine o'clock, anchored: an English ship having got
under weigh, and making small tacks to prevent her getting away. At
six o'clock, two English ships joined those who had been engaging
the rear, and began firing on L'Heureux and Le Mercure, which were
aground. The former soon struck, and the latter followed the
example, as they could not bring their broadsides to bear on the
enemy. At half past seven, the ship's crew of L'Artemise frigate
quitted her, and set her on fire: at eight o'clock, she blew up.
The enemy, without doubt, had received great damage in their masts
and yards, as they did not get under weigh to attack the remains of
the French fleet. The French flag was flying on board four ships of
the line and two frigates. This division made the most of their
time; and, at three quarters past eleven, Le Guillaume Tell, Le
Genereux, La Diane, and La Justice, got under weigh, and formed in
line of battle. The English ship that was under sail stood towards
h