al by storms, distempers, and the death of the commander. Not
yet discouraged by these disasters, he resolved to renew his efforts
against the British colonies in North America, and their settlements
in the East Indies. For these purposes two squadrons were prepared at
Brest, one to be commanded by the commodore de la Jonquiere; and the
other destined for India, by monsieur de St. George. The ministry of
Great Britain, being apprized of these measures, resolved to intercept
both squadrons, which were to set sail together. For this purpose
vice-admiral Anson and rear-admiral Warren took their departure from
Plymouth with a formidable fleet, and steered their course to Cape
Finisterre on the coast of Gallicia. On the third day of May, they fell
in with the French squadrons, commanded by la Jonquiere and St. George,
consisting of six large ships of war, as many frigates, and four armed
vessels equipped by their East India company, having under their convoy
about thirty ships laden with merchandise. Those prepared for war
immediately shortened sail, and formed a line of battle; while the rest,
under the protection of the six frigates, proceeded on their voyage with
all the sail they could carry. The British squadron was likewise drawn
up in line of battle; but Mr. Warren, perceiving that the enemy began
to sheer off, now their convoy was at a considerable distance, advised
admiral Anson to haul in the signal for the line, and hoist another
for giving chase and engaging, otherwise the French would, in all
probability, escape by favour of the night. The proposal was embraced;
and in a little time the engagement began with great fury, about four
o'clock in the afternoon. The enemy sustained the battle with equal
conduct and valour, until they were overpowered by numbers, and then
they struck their colours. The admiral detached three ships in pursuit
of the convoy, nine sail of which were taken; but the rest were saved by
the intervening darkness. About seven hundred of the French were killed
and wounded in this action. The English lost about five hundred; and
among these captain Grenville, commander of the ship Defiance. He
was nephew to the lord viscount Cobham, a youth of the most amiable
character and promising genius, animated with the noblest sentiments of
honour and patriotism. Eager in the pursuit of glory, he rushed into the
midst of the battle, where both his legs were cut off by a cannon-ball.
He submitted to his fate