by John Marshall

“ Fortunately, the French ships brought up without any order; their sails flying about, and in great confusion, firing at random among the British men of war and merchantmen. In about three quarters of an hour after Commodore Johnstone had opened his fire, M. de Suffrein cut his cable, and stood to sea, followed by the whole of his squadron, with the exception of his second a-head, the Hannibal of 74 guns, which remained some time longer exposed to a most tremendous fire from every ship in the British fleet. ”

“ The fleet reached Porto Praya without any accident; but whilst there, was unexpectedly attacked by two French 74’s, and three 64’s, under the command of M. de Suffrein, who had been detached in pursuit of the British armament. It appears to have been the opinion of Commodore Johnstone and most of his officers, that had the enemy stood in, and anchored in a seaman-like and judicious manner, the result of the battle would have been fatal to the English, who were not in the least prepared for such a visit. The whole of the Indiamen must inevitably have been either destroyed or taken ”

“ During the period his uncle commanded the Channel fleet, Mr. Darby served as Lieutenant in his flag-ship, the Britannia, of 100 guns, and thence was promoted to the command of the Infernal, fire-vessel, in which he accompanied Commodore Johnstone, on an expedition destined against the Cape of Good Hope; but the British squadron being surprised by a superior French force, whilst lying at anchor in Porto Praya, the Infernal unfortunately fell into the hands of the enemy [1] . ”