by John Marshall

“ The court sat on board the Culloden, in Bombay harbour, on the 27th Mar. 1809: and, after the fullest investigation, declared that the conduct of Captain Proctor appeared to have been marked by the greatest activity, zeal, and anxiety for the service; that the manoeuvres of the Dédaigneuse, while in the presence of the enemy, were directed with judgment and skill, very honourable to Captain Proctor; and that the escape of the enemy’s frigate resulted entirely from the bad sailing of the Dédaigneuse. ”

“ Sémillante was discovered from the mast-head of the Dédaigneuse, who immediately crowded all sail upon a wind in chase, with light airs. At about midnight the two frigates crossed each other on opposite tacks, and were not more than half a mile apart. As the Sémillante approached on the larboard tack, the Dédaigneuse fired two or three bow-chasers at her; and, on hearing the French frigate beat to quarters, the British frigate discharged her broadside as the guns would bear. Putting her helm a-lee, the Dédaigneuse then prepared to tack after her opponent ”

“ Towards the latter end of 1808, an occurrence took place off the Isle of France, which we shall describe in the words of a contemporary writer, to whom we are indebted for part of our information on this subject. ”