On the way, five sail of the enemy were discovered off the coast of Sardinia, and he chased them.

They proved to be three forty-four gun frigates, with a corvette of twenty-four and a brig of twelve.

The AGAMEMNON had only 345 men at quarters, having landed part of her crew at Toulon, and others being absent in prizes.
He came near enough one of the frigates to engage her, but at great disadvantage, the Frenchman manoeuvring well and sailing greatly better.
A running fight of three hours ensued, during which the other ships, which were at some distance, made all speed to come up.

By this time the enemy was almost silenced, when a favourable change of wind enabled her to get out of reach of the AGAMEMNON's guns; and that ship had received so much damage in the rigging that she could not follow her.

Nelson, conceiving that this was but the forerunner of a far more serious engagement, called his officers together, and asked them if the ship was fit to go into action against such a superior force without some small refit and refreshment for the men.