roadside with such effect, that at twenty minutes past
noon the officers of the Reunion waved their hats and flags to
indicate that they had surrendered. The engraving represents the
situation of the two ships at this moment; and Captain Sir Thomas
Mansel, who was then a midshipman, declares it to be correct.

The combat now ceased, and the prize was taken possession of by
Lieutenant (now Admiral) Sir George Parker, who received the usual
order to carry her into port. The French captain being sent on board
the Crescent, they began to remove the prisoners and repair damages.
When the action began, a ship had been seen under the land to the
eastward, about four leagues distant; this was supposed to be an
enemy: but it turned out to be the Circe, Captain Yorke, who joined
four hours after the action, and took part of the prisoners. In the
mean time the cutter made off towards Cherbourg, out of which harbour
the wind and adverse tide prevented the other frigate, said to be La
Semillante, from getting to assist the Reunion.

The following very concise official letter to the Secretary of the
Admiralty from Captain Saumarez, supplies the rest of the detail.

Crescent, off Cherbourg, 20th October 1793.

SIR,

I have the honour to acquaint you, for the information of my
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that this morning, being
off Cape Barfleur in his Majesty's ship Crescent, under my
command, I fell in with a French frigate, which, after a close
action of two hours and ten minutes, struck to his Majesty's
colours: she proved to be the Reunion, mounting thirty-six guns,
and manned with three hundred and twenty men.

I am singularly happy in being able to inform their lordships
that she has been obtained without the loss of a single man, or
even any wounded, although her own loss has been very
considerable indeed, having, as the prisoners informed me, one
hundred and twenty killed and wounded.

I must beg leave to render the most ample justice to the
officers and ship's company of the Crescent, for their cool and
steady behaviour during the action; and I take this opportunity
to recommend to their lordships' notice the three lieutenants,
Messrs. Parker, Otter, and Rye: their conduct has afforded me
the utmost satisfaction.

I have the honour to be,
With the greatest respect, sir,
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
JAMES SAUMAREZ.