rs and declared they could
not restrain the religious zeal of the people. The anchors were
speedily got up, and with sad hearts the emigrants left their native
shores.

A fair wind carried the squadron down Channel, and for some time the
voyage was prosperous. Before, however, they reached the latitude of
Madeira the weather changed, and a heavy gale coming on, sorely tried
the imperfectly prepared ships. The officers, exerting themselves to
the utmost, encouraged their men, and the pumps were kept going till the
storm ceased and the leaks could be got at and stopped. When the ships,
which had been scattered by the gale, again joined company, all were
found to have been sorely battered. One had lost her topmasts, another
her bowsprit, and the rest some two or more spars. They had no friendly
port into which they could put, as Madeira was in the hands of the
Portuguese, so they had to wait for a calm to repair their more serious
damages. The Line was crossed without having the opportunity, and when
within three or four days' sail of their destination, some strange ships
were seen ahead, apparently waiting for them. There could be no doubt
that the strangers were Portuguese. A consultation was held by the
captains whether they should try to escape by altering their course, or
stand boldly on and attack the enemy. Water and provisions were running
short, and should they take to flight, days and even weeks might elapse
before they could gain their port. They determined, therefore, to stand
on, and should an attempt be made to stop them, to fight bravely as long
as their ships should swim. Their enemies were not to be despised, they
knew, for the Portuguese of those days were renowned for their hardihood
and courage. Five sail were counted, the number of their own ships, so
that each would have an antagonist to contend with.

The French, under all sail, keeping close together in line, stood
towards the headmost of the enemy's ships, which were somewhat separated
from each other. Nigel's being the leading ship of the French squadron,
first came up with the headmost one of the enemy's ships. They were
sailing, it must be understood, on two sides of an angle, the French
before the wind, the Portuguese close hauled. Captain Beauport, the
commander of the _Madeline_, immediately hauled his wind and poured in
his broadside at close quarters, bringing the enemy's mizenmast, with
its large mizen, down on deck. The