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French so much pride themselves, and to which indeed their splendid series of land victories was in general chiefly to be imputed.
The position of the enemy presented the most formidable obstacles; but the Admiral viewed these with the eye of a seaman determined on attack; and it instantly struck his eager and penetrating mind, that where there was room for an enemy's ship to swing, there was room for one of ours to anchor. No further signal was necessary than those which had already been made. The Admiral's designs were as fully know to his whole squadron, as was his determination to conquer, or perish in the attempt,
The Goliath and Zealous had the honour to lead inside, and to receive the first fire from the Van ships of the enemy, as well as from the batteries and gun boats with which their van was strengthened. These two ships, with the Orion, Audacious and Theseus, took their stations inside the enemy's line, and were immediately in close action. The Vanguard anchored the first on the outer side of the enemy, and was opposed within half pistol shot to Le Spartiate, the third in the enemy's line. In standing in, our leading ships were unavoidably obliged to receive into their bows the whole fire of the broadsides of the French line, until they could take their respective stations; and it is but justice to observe, that the enemy received us with great firmness and deliberation, no colours having been hoisted on either side, nor a gun fired, till our van ships were within half gun shot.
At this time the necessary number of our men were employed aloft in furling sails, and on deck, in hauling the braces, &c. preparatory to our casting anchor. As soon as this took place, a most animated fire was opened from the Vanguard, which ship covered the approach of those in the rear, which were following in a close line. The Minotaur, Defence, Bellerophon, Majestic, Swiftsure and Alexander, came up in succession, and passing withing hail of the Vanguard, took their re-spective
