e south-west. On this the
commodore directed four of the Indiamen to go down and examine them.
Lieutenant Fowler, of the navy, who was a passenger on board the _Earl
Camden_, offered to go also in the _Ganges_ to inspect the strangers
more nearly. It was a time of no small anxiety, you may be sure. The
_Ganges_ was a fast sailer, and before long Lieutenant Fowler came back,
with the information that the squadron in sight was French, and
consisted of a line-of-battle ship, three frigates, and a brig. The
question was now, Should we fight or not? If we attempted to make our
escape the enemy would pursue us, and very likely pick us off in detail.
Our safest plan was to put a bold face on the matter, and show that we
were prepared for fighting. This was our gallant commodore's opinion,
and all the other captains agreed with him, especially Captain Timins,
of the _Royal George_, who acted as his second in command. The look-out
ships were now recalled by signal, and the line of battle formed in
close order. As soon as the enemy could fetch in our wake they put
about, and we kept on our course under easy sail. At near sunset they
were close up with our rear, which it seemed as if they were about to
attack. On seeing this Captain Dance prepared with other ships to
hasten to the assistance of that part of our line. Just as the day was
closing, however, the French, not liking our looks, and unwilling to
risk a night engagement, hauled their wind. Lieutenant Fowler was now
sent in the _Ganges_ to station the country ships on our lee bow, by
which means we were between them and the enemy. He brought back some
volunteers, whose assistance was acceptable. We lay to all night--our
men at their quarters. At daybreak of the 15th we saw the enemy also
lying to, and so, hoisting our colours, we offered them battle if they
chose to come down. At nine, finding that they would not accept our
challenge, we formed the order of sailing, and steered our course under
easy sail. The enemy on this filled their sails and edged down towards
us. Now was the time that the mettle of our merchant skippers was to be
tried. Did they, flinch?--Not a bit of it! The commodore, finding that
the enemy proposed to attack and cut off our rear, made the signal for
the fleet to tack and bear down on him, and engage in succession--the
_Royal George_ being the leading ship, the _Ganges_ next, and then the
_Earl Camden_. This manoeuvre was beautiful