I was not exactly afraid, but I had an unpleasant sensation at the noise of a cannon-ball, which I had not as yet got over.

However, four of the French frigates made sail towards us, and hove-to, when within four miles, three or four line-of-battle ships following them as if to support them.

Our captain made signal for permission to close the enemy, which was granted, with our pennants, and those of another frigate.

We immediately made all sail, beat to quarters, put out the fires, and opened the magazines.

The French line-of-battle ships perceiving that only two of our frigates were sent against their four, hove-to at about the same distance from their frigates, as our line-of-battle ships and other frigates were from us.
In the meantime our main fleet continued to work in shore under a press of sail, and the French main fleet also gradually approached the detached ships.