menced firing; I regret to say at a long range, which soon so effectually produced a calm to leeward, as to render our squadron unmanageable for three hours. No exertion was omitted to bring his Majesty’s ships into close action, during this very critical and trying period, but all was ineffectual. The enemy’s rear frigate neared the Astraea a little, while she lay on the water, almost immoveable; only occasionally bringing guns to bear. His van and centre ships, preserving a light air, succeeded in rounding the quarters of the Phoebe and Galatea, raking them, with considerable effect, for a long time.
“At this, his favourite distance, the enemy remained until nearly dark, when a light breeze enabled the Phoebe to close the nearest frigate, in a good position to bring her to a decisive action. In half an hour she was beaten. Her night signals drew the other two frigates to her assistance; the Phoebe was, in consequence, obliged to follow the Galatea, which ship brought up the breeze to me. At this time I was hailed by Captain Losack, who informed me, that the Galatea had suffered very considerably, and, as she was passing under my lee, I had the mortification to see her mizen, and, soon after, her fore-top-masts fall. Having shot a-head, she made the night signal of distress, and being in want of immediate assistance; I closed to ascertain the cause, when I was again hailed by Captain Losack, and informed, that the Galatea was so totally disabled as to prevent her head being put towards the enemy to renew the action, as I before had directed.
“My determination was immediately communicated to Captain Hillyar, to recommence action when the Phoebe was in a state to support me. She was promptly reported ready, although much disabled. The Astraea then wore, and led towards the enemy, followed by the Racehorse and Phoebe; the conduct of which ship, as a British man of war, did honor to all on board. The enemy was soon discovered a little a-head, and his leading ship, the Commodore, was brought to close action by the Astraea. In 25 minutes she struck, and made the signal to that effect, having previously attempted to lay us athwart hawse, under a heavy fire of grape and musketry from all parts of the ship. Another frigate, on closing, struck, and made the signal also; but, on a shot being fired at her, from her late Commodore, she was observed trying to escape. Chase was instantly given, and continued till 2 A.M., with all the sail both ships were enabled, from their disabled state, to carry; when I judged it advisable, as she gained on us, to wear for the purpose of covering the captured ship, and forming a junction, if possible, with the Galatea. At this moment, the Phoebe’s fore-top-mast fell; sight of the Galatea or captured ship was not regained until day light, when, to the credit of Lieutenants Royer (second of the Astraea) and Drury (R.M.), who, with five men, were all that could be put on board the latter in a sinking boat, she was observed making an effort to join us, a perfect wreck.
“The captured frigate proves to be la Renommée, of the first class (as are the other two), of 44 guns, and 470 men, (200 of whom were picked troops,) commanded by Capitaine de Vaisseau Roquebert, officier de la
