George, were ordered to chase in the south by west quarter; which,
upon the Bonne Citoyenne making a signal that she saw eight sail in
that quarter, was afterwards strengthened by the Irresistible,
Colossus, and Orion.

"A little past ten o'clock, the Minerve frigate made the signal for
twenty sail in the south-west quarter; and, a few minutes after, of
eight sail in the south by west. Half an hour afterwards, the Bonne
Citoyenne made the signal that she could distinguish sixteen--and,
immediately afterwards, twenty-five--of the strange ships, to be of
the line. The enemy's fleet were, indeed, now become visible to all
the British squadron.

"The ships first discovered by the Culloden were separated from
their main body; which, being to windward, were bearing down in
some confusion, with a view of joining their separated ships. It
appeared to have been the British admiral's intention, on
discovering the separated ships of the enemy's fleet, to have cut
them off, if possible, before the main body could arrive to their
assistance; and, with this view, the fast-sailing ships of his
squadron were ordered to chase.

"Assured, now, of the near position of their main body, he probably
judged it most advisable to form his fleet into the line of battle;
and the signal was made for their forming the line of battle ahead
and astern, as most convenient. A signal was made, directing the
squadron to steer south south-west.

"About twenty minutes past eleven o'clock, the admiral pointed out
that the Victory, his flag-ship, would take her station next to the
Colossus. Some variation in steering was afterwards directed, in
order to let the rear ships close up. At twenty-six minutes past
eleven o'clock, the admiral communicated his intention to pass
through the enemy's line, hoisting his large flag and ensign; and,
soon after, the signal was made to engage.

"The British van, by this time, had approached the enemy; and the
destination of leading the British line into action, fell to the
lot of the Culloden, commanded by Captain Troubridge. About half
past eleven o'clock, the firing commenced, from the Culloden,
against the enemy's headmost ships to windward.

"As the British squadron advanced, the action became more general;
and it was soon ap