twelve feet in length the _Chester_ British first-rate, and measured
1977 tons. All her guns abaft the main-mast were of brass. Lieutenant
Carket was deservedly promoted to command her.

We must pass over one of the most memorable events of this reign, the
capture of Quebec by General Wolfe, in which Captain Cook, then a master
in the navy, first exhibited his talents and courage, and briefly
describe an important naval action, that of Sir Edward Hawke in Quiberon
Bay. The admiral sailed from Spithead early in June, 1759, with a
powerful fleet to cruise off Brest and in soundings. Hence he
despatched three small squadrons to scour the enemy's coast. In
November a heavy gale compelled Sir Edward Hawke to take shelter in
Torbay. During his absence M. de Conflans got safe into Brest with his
squadron from the West Indies. Believing that the coast was clear, he
again put to sea on the 14th of November, and on the same day the
British fleet sailed from Torbay. The next day Captain McCleverty, in
the _Gibraltar_, joined Sir Edward, with the information that he had
seen the French fleet about twenty-four leagues to the north-west of
Belleisle, steering to the south-east. Sir Edward immediately shaped a
course for Quiberon Bay. A strong wind forced the fleet to leeward; it
shifted, however, on the 19th to the westward. The _Maidstone_ and
_Coventry_ frigates were ordered to look out ahead. The French admiral
seeing them, sent some of his ships in chase, but soon after perceiving
the British fleet, he recalled them, and formed in order of battle. On
the approach of the British ships he crowded sail and pushed in for the
land, not more than four or five leagues distant, in the hopes of
entangling them among the rocks and shoals. In this he was
disappointed, as the van ships of the English fleet were close up to his
rear at half-past two o'clock, and in a few minutes the engagement
became general. The _Formidable_, carrying the flag of the French
rear-admiral, was closely engaged by the _Resolution_, and having to
sustain the fire of every ship that passed, was obliged to strike, he
and 200 of his men being killed. Lord Howe, in the _Magnanime_ attacked
the _Thesee_, but the _Montague_ running foul of the former so much
disabled her, that she fell astern. Captain Keppel, in the _Torbay_,
then attacked the _Thesee_, when a sudden squall coming on, the
lower-deck ports of the latter ship not being closed, she filled