, in the Isle of Man, that their damage might be repaired.
Though the Belleisle was very leaky, and had lost her boltsprit,
mizen-mast, and main-yard, in all probability the victory would not have
been so easily obtained, had not the gallant Thurot fallen during the
action. The victor had not even the consolation to perform the last
offices to his brave enemy; for his body was thrown into the sea by his
own people in the hurry of the engagement. The loss on the side of the
English did not exceed forty men killed and wounded, whereas above three
hundred of the enemy were slain and disabled. The service performed
on this occasion was deemed so essential to the peace and commerce of
Ireland, that the thanks of the house of commons in that kingdom were
voted to the conquerors of Thurot, as well as to lieutenant-colonel
Jennings, for his spirited behaviour at Carrickfergus; and the freedom
of the city of Cork was presented in silver boxes to the captains
Elliot, Clements, and Logie. The name of Thurot was become terrible to
all the trading seaports of Great Britain and Ireland; and therefore
the defeat and capture of his squadron were celebrated with as hearty
rejoicings as the most important victory could have produced.

In the beginning of April another engagement between four frigates,
still more equally matched, had a different issue, though not less
honourable for the British commanders. Captain Skinner of the Biddeford,
and captain Kennedy of the Flamborough, both frigates, sailed on a
cruise from Lisbon; and on the fourth day of April, fell in with two
large French frigates, convoy to a fleet of merchant-ships, which the
English captains immediately resolved to engage. The enemy did not
decline the battle, which began about half an hour after six in the
evening, and raged with great fury till eleven. By this time the
Flamborough had lost sight of the Biddeford; and the frigate with which
captain Kennedy was engaged bore away with all the sail she could carry.
He pursued her till noon the next day, when she had left him so far
astern, that he lost sight of her, and returned to Lisbon with the loss
of fifteen men killed and wounded, including the lieutenant of marines,
and considerable damage both in her hull and rigging. In three days he
was joined by the Biddeford, which had also compelled her antagonist to
give way, and pursued her till she was out of sight. In about an hour
after the action began, captain Skinner was