rpose of reconnoitring them. At six o'clock they
hoisted national colours, and fired on the lugger. I then
shortened sail to form the line; but the Eurydice sailing so
indifferently, and having so superior a force to contend
with,--three of the enemy's ships being large frigates, with
another which I took for the Thames, and one apparently of
twenty-four guns,--I directed Captain Cole to make all the sail
he could and stand in shore, Guernsey at the time being in
sight.[9]

[9] See Engraving.

I remained with this ship and the Druid under easy sail to
windward. The two headmost ships of the enemy kept up a brisk
fire as they came up; which was returned, but at too great a
distance to do any considerable damage. At eight, the Eurydice
being so far in shore as to run no risk of their coming up with
her, and the whole French line coming up within gun-shot, I made
sail with the Druid for the Hanoways.

Observing the headmost of the enemy gaining very fast on the two
ships, I hauled in for the shore with the view of drawing off
her attention; which answered my purpose, as she immediately
hauled up after me, and maintained a brisk fire for some time,
but without effect. She then bore away, but the Druid and
Eurydice were too far ahead; and soon after they hauled their
wind to the northward.

I feel every satisfaction in acquainting you that, from the
spirit and bravery of my officers and men on this occasion, I am
persuaded it would have had every effect, had we had a more
equal force to contend with. I met with a noble support in
Captain Ellison; and I have only to regret that Captain Cole was
not in a ship of sufficient force to allow of my deriving
advantage from his tact and intrepidity.

I am, with every respect, sir,
Your most obedient and most humble servant,
JAS. SAUMAREZ.

Rear-Admiral John McBride.

RELATIVE FORCE OF THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH SQUADRONS.

_English._

Guns. Weight of shot.
Crescent 36 630
Druid 36 630
Eurydice 20 240
----------
Total 92 1500

The cutters and luggers went off to Plymouth when the action
began.

_French._

Guns. Weight of shot.
Le Scaevola (razee) 54 1656
Le Brutus (ditto) 54 1656
La Dan