tile
divisions were now near each other, with a fine working breeze, the
British tried to beat up to the enemy; the _Conqueror_, 74, Captain
Walter Griffith, being ahead and to windward of her consorts. Coming
within range at 5, firing began between her and the French flagship,
_Annibal_, 74, and subsequently between her and all the three vessels
of the enemy. Towards sunset, the _Albion_, 74, had got close up with
the _Conqueror_, and the other ships were within distant range; "but
as they had worked not only well within the dangers of the shoals of
the bay (Fort Royal), but within reach of the batteries, I called them
off by night signal at a quarter before seven."[75] In this chivalrous
skirmish,--for it was little more, although the injury to the French
in the loss of the convoy was notable,--Parker was equally delighted
with his own squadron and with his enemy. "The steadiness and coolness
with which on every tack the _Conqueror_ received the fire of these
three ships, and returned her own, working his ship with as much
exactness as if he had been turning into Spithead, and on every
board gaining on the enemy, gave me infinite pleasure. It was with
inexpressible concern," he added, "that I heard that Captain Walter
Griffith, of the _Conqueror_, was killed by the last broadside."[76]
Having occasion, a few days later, to exchange a flag of truce
with the French Rear-Admiral, he wrote to him; "The conduct of your
Excellency in the affair of the 18th of this month fully justifies the
reputation which you enjoy among us, and I assure you that I could not
witness without envy the skill you showed on that occasion. Our enmity
is transient, depending upon our masters; but your merit has stamped
upon my heart the greatest admiration for yourself." This was the
officer who was commonly known in his time as "Vinegar" Parker; but
these letters show that the epithet fitted the rind rather than the
kernel.

Shortly after de Guichen[77] took command, in March, 1780, he arranged
with the Marquis de Bouille, Governor of Martinique, to make a
combined attack upon some one of the British West India Islands. For
this purpose three thousand troops were embarked in the fleet, which
sailed on the night of the 13th of April, 1780, intending first to
accompany a convoy for Santo Domingo, until it was safely out of
reach of the British. Rodney, who was informed at once of the French
departure, put to sea in chase with all his ships, twent