On the 11th October, the Commodore being then off Tory island, fell in with the squadron under M. Bompart, consisting of la Hoche, of 78 guns, eight frigates, a schooner, and a brig. He immediately made the signal for a general chace, which was continued all day and the following night, in very unsettled and boisterous weather, during which the Anson lost her mizen mast. At five o’clock on the morning of the 12th, the enemy was seen a little distance to windward, the line-of-battle ship with her main top-mast gone. The enemy, notwithstanding, bore down, and formed their line in close order on the starboard tack. From the length of the chace, and in unfavourable weather, the British squadron became much spread, and it was seven o’clock before Sir John Warren had his ships sufficiently collected, when he made the signal for the Robust to lead, and the rest to form in succession. At twenty minutes past seven, Captain Thornbrough commenced the action, and was so ably supported by Captain De Courcy, in the Magnanime, that at eleven, the Hoche, after a most gallant defence, struck; upon which the frigates made sail, and were closely pursued for five hours, in a smart running fight, when after an obstinate resistance three of them surrendered; these were la Bellone, la Coquille, and l’Ambuscade. Captain Moore in the Melampus, parted company during the chace; and at midnight, on the 13th, came up with la Resolue, which struck without offering any resistance. L’Immortalité, of 44 guns, was in company, but made off as soon as she saw the fate of her consort, whom she did not attempt to assist.
After the action, the Robust and Magnanime continued with the prizes, the rest of the squadron having separated in the chace[1]. The disabled state of these ships, in addition to the severe weather which they encountered, created a considerable degree of alarm for their safety. The Robust and la Hoche put into Lough Swilly, where they refitted, and from thence sailed to Plymouth; while the Magnanime, with l’Ambuscade and la Coquille, were obliged to proceed round the north of Ireland; and after stopping at Belfast to repair their damages, also reached the same port.
- ↑ The force under Sir John Warren’s orders, consisted of one 80-gun ship, two 74’s, and five frigates.
