, have taught the lower classes to regard it less as an
integral part of England, than a distinct and superior country. They
have a nobler motive for this feeling, in the successes of their
forefathers against the arms of the rebel parliament, when their
loyalty, unwavering amidst prosperous treason, and their victories over
superior discipline and numbers, obtained for them the grateful eulogy
of their unfortunate sovereign. His letter remains painted, as he
directed, in a conspicuous part of their older churches, a most
honourable monument of their virtues and his gratitude. No man could be
prouder of his county than Captain Pellew himself; and, as it was an
object much coveted by the most promising of its young men to serve in
his ship, and he continued steadily to patronize those who showed
themselves deserving, there is scarcely a town in it from which he has
not made officers. Thus his feelings were in perfect unison with theirs;
and never was an appeal made with greater confidence, or answered with
higher spirit, than when he reminded them of their home.

At six o'clock the ships were so near, that the captains mutually
hailed. Not a shot had yet been fired. The crew of the _Nymphe_ now
shouted "Long live King George!" and gave three hearty cheers. Captain
Mullon was then seen to address his crew briefly, holding a cap of
liberty, which he waved before them. They answered with acclamations,
shouting, "Vive la Republique!" as if in reply to the loyal watchword of
the British crew, and to mark the opposite principles for which the
battle was to be fought. The cap of liberty was then given to a sailor,
who ran up the main rigging, and screwed it on the mast-head.

At a quarter past six, the _Nymphe_ reached the starboard quarter of the
_Cleopatra_, when Captain Pellew, whose hat was still in his hand,
raised it to his head, the preconcerted signal for the _Nymphe_ to open
her fire. Both frigates immediately commenced a furious cannonade, which
they maintained without intermission for three quarters of an hour,
running before the wind under top-gallant-sails, and very near each
other. At a little before seven, the mizen-mast of the _Cleopatra_
fell, and presently after her wheel was shot away. Thus rendered
unmanageable, she came round with her bow to the _Nymphe's_ broadside,
her jib-boom pressing hard against the mainmast. Captain Pellew,
supposing that the enemy were going to board, ordered the boarders to be
cal