by John Marshall

“ In about fifty minutes after the commencement of the action, the Foudroyant of 88 guns came up under a press of canvas, and hailed the enemy to strike; which being declined, a furious combat ensued, the Lion and Penelope frequently doing great execution; and it was not until the French ship had become an unruly hulk, having lost all her masts, that her colours were hauled down. ”

“ She proved to be the Santa Dorothea, of 42 guns and 370 men, 52 of whom were either killed or wounded. The others were the Pomona, bearing a Commodore’s broad pendant, the Santa Casilda, and Proserpine, of 42 guns and 350 men each. Seeing the fate of their companion, they made sail and escaped; the disabled state of the Lion preventing her from pursuing them. The manly and spirited conduct of Captain Dixon and those under his command, in and subsequent to the action, reflected on them great honour, and obtained the applause which they so justly merited. The Lion had only 2 men wounded. ”

“ He was promoted to the rank of Post-Captain, Nov. 22, 1790; and at the commencement of the contest with revolutionary France, appointed to the Porcupine of 24 guns, in which ship he cruized for some time on the coast of Ireland; and afterwards obtained the command of l’Espion, a fine frigate, employed in channel service during a period of about two years. ”