by John Marshall

“ On being hailed by the Bienfaisant, she hauled them down, and hoisted French. A smart action, commenced on both sides with musketry, now took place; and, at the expiration of an hour and ten minutes, the enemy struck, having had 21 men killed and 35 wounded, with her rigging and sails cut to pieces. The Bienfaisant had 3 men killed and 20 wounded; and the Charon, a 44-gun ship, which came up at the close of the engagement, had 1 man wounded. The prize proved to be le Comte d’Artois, of 64 guns and 644 men, commanded by the Chevalier Clonard, who was slightly wounded. ”

“ After this event, which occurred in the midst of a tremendous storm, the Bienfaisant compelled the Phoenix, of 80 guns, Langara’s flag ship, which had already received a severe drubbing from the Defence, to surrender. Captain M‘Bride immediately took possession of his prize; but, as the smallpox was on board the Bienfaisant, he felt anxious to prevent the infection from being spread amongst the prisoners, and therefore sent a proposal to the Spanish Admiral, stipulating, that neither officers nor men should be removed from the Phoenix, provided Don Juan would be responsible for their conduct ”

“ By this time the combatants had approached close to the French coast, from whence a number of boats came out and towed la Belle Poule into a place of safety. The Arethusa’s main-mast fell over the side, and she was otherwise so disabled, that it was with the utmost difficulty she could clear the land. Her loss amounted to 8 men killed and 36 wounded. By the French accounts her opponent had 40 slain and 57 wounded. The Alert came up with a schooner mounting 14 guns, which she captured after a smart action. The Pallas of 32 guns, was taken on the 18th by the Foudroyant, Courageux, and Robust. ”