n as I have ordered a
distribution of the prisoners, and made other necessary
arrangements for the squadron. It is my intention to keep at
sea, in order to fulfil every part of my instructions.

I have judged it necessary to send Captain Domett with my
despatches, who will give their lordships such further
particulars as shall have occurred to him on the victory we have
gained.

I am, &c.
BRIDPORT.

To Evan Nepean, Esq.

The enemy made their escape into L'Orient. By some accounts the
commander-in-chief has been blamed for not continuing the action; but
this does not seem to have been the opinion of Sir James Saumarez, who
wrote the following letter to his brother on the day after the action.
It is said that the fleet were not supplied with pilots for that part
of the coast.

Orion, at sea, 24th June 1795.

MY DEAR RICHARD,

I have the satisfaction to acquaint you that, last Monday, we
fell in with the French fleet, about eighteen leagues from the
Isle de Groix. The signal for a general chase was made at six
o'clock; but, having little wind, we were still at a
considerable distance from them in the evening. Our headmost
ships denoted by signal that they consisted of fourteen sail of
the line and eleven frigates. The admiral made the signal to
engage the enemy on coming up with them. It was with great
delight I found the Orion sail extremely well, and in the
morning we were one of the headmost ships of the squadron. I
should observe, that Sir John Warren's convoy were in sight at
the time we first saw the enemy; and a vessel was detached to
order the Robust and Thunderer to join us, which made our number
nineteen sail of the line.

The French fleet at daylight was about five miles from us,
crowding all sail, and steering for their coast, which appeared
in sight. At five o'clock, this ship, being ahead of the Queen
Charlotte, began the action, and kept up a constant fire as we
came up; which was warmly returned by the enemy's sternmost
ships, one of which was the Montagne. Finding I could go to
windward of one of their ships, I hauled up between her and
their fleet, and gave her our larboard guns directly for her
stern. She was afterwards attacked by other ships, to which she
struck, and proved to be the Alexander.

The Irresistible, Russell, Colossus, and Sanspareil were the
headmost of our fle