ns. The order as finally assumed (Fig. 3) was as
follows. The van ship was anchored so close to the shore that it was
impossible to pass within her, or, with the prevailing wind, even to
reach her, because of a point and shoal just outside, covering her
position. From her the line extended in a west-north-west direction
to the fifteenth ship,--the _Barfleur_, 98, Hood's flagship,--when it
turned to north, the last six ships being on a north and south line.
These six, with their broadsides turned to the westward, prevented a
column passing from south to north, the only way one could pass, from
enfilading the main line with impunity. The latter covered with its
guns the approach from the south. All the ships had springs on their
cables, enabling them to turn their sides so as to cover a large arc
of a circle with their batteries.

[Illustration]

At daylight on the following morning, January 26th, the ships began
changing their places, the French being then seven or eight miles
distant in the south-south-east. At 7 A.M. they were seen to be
approaching in line of battle, under a press of sail, heading for the
British van. The _Canada_, which had begun at 5 A.M. to tackle her
200-odd fathoms of cable, was obliged to cut, whereby "we lost the
small bower anchor and two cables with one 8-inch and one 9-inch
hawsers, which were bent for springs." The ship had to work to
windward to close with the fleet, and was therefore ordered by the
Rear-Admiral to keep engaging under way, until 10.50, when a message
was sent her to anchor in support of the rear. The action began
between 8.30 and 9 A.M., the leading French ship heading for the
British van, seemingly with the view of passing round and inside it.
Against this attempt Hood's precautions probably were sufficient; but
as the enemy's vessel approached, the wind headed her, so that she
could only fetch the third ship. The latter, with the vessels ahead
and astern, sprung their batteries upon her. "The crash occasioned by
their destructive broadsides was so tremendous on board her that whole
pieces of plank were seen flying from her off side, ere she could
escape the cool concentrated fire of her determined adversaries."[111]
She put her helm up, and ran along outside the British line, receiving
the first fire of each successive ship. Her movement was imitated by
her followers, some keeping off sooner, some later; but de Grasse in
his flagship not only came close, but pointed hi