consequently, M. de Conflans might have hazarded a
fair battle on the open sea, without any imputation of temerity; but
he thought proper to play a more artful game, though it did not succeed
according to his expectation. He kept his fleet in a body, and retired
close in shore, with a view to draw the English squadron among the
shoals and islands, on which he hoped they would pay dear for their
rashness and impetuosity, while he and his officers, who were perfectly
acquainted with the navigation, could either stay and take advantage of
the disaster, or, if hard pressed, retire through channels unknown to
the British pilots. At half an hour after two, the van of the
English fleet began the engagement with the rear of the enemy, in the
neighbourhood of Belleisle. Every ship, as she advanced, poured in a
broadside on the sternmost of the French, and bore down upon their van,
leaving the rear to those that came after. Sir Edward Hawke, in the
Royal George, of one hundred and ten guns, reserved his fire in passing
through the rear of the enemy, and ordered his master to bring him
alongside of the French admiral, who commanded in person on board the
Soliel Royal, a ship mounted with eighty cannon, and provided with a
complement of twelve hundred men. When the pilot remonstrated that he
could not obey his command without the most imminent risk of running
upon a shoal, the veteran replied, "You have done your duty in showing
the danger; now you are to comply with my order, and lay me alongside
the Soleil Royal." His wish was gratified: the Royal George ranged up
with the French admiral. The Thesee, another large ship of the enemy,
running up between the two commanders, sustained the fire that was
reserved for the Soliel Royal; but in returning the first broadside
foundered, in consequence of the high sea that entered her lower
deck-ports, and filled her with water. Notwithstanding the boisterous
weather, a great number of ships on both sides fought with equal
fury and dubious success, till about four in the afternoon, when the
Formidable struck her colours. The Superb shared the fate of the Thesee
in going to the bottom. The Hero hauled down her colours in token of
submission, and dropped anchor; but the wind was so high that no boat
could be sent to take possession, By this time day-light began to fail,
and the greater part of the French fleet escaped under cover of the
darkness. Night approaching, the wind blowing with augment