One of their frigates had taken in tow the other, who had lost her top-mast, and our squadron came up with her very fast.

The English fleet were also within three miles, standing in, and the French fleet standing out, to the assistance of the other ships which had been engaged.

I thought, and so did everybody, that there would be a general action, but we were disappointed; the frigate which towed the other, finding that she could not escape, cast her off, and left her to her fate, which was to haul down her colours to the commodore of the in-shore squadron.

The chase was continued until the whole of the French vessels were close under their batteries, and then our fleet returned to its station with the prize, which proved to be the _Narcisse_, of thirty-six guns, Captain Le Pelleteon.

Our captain obtained a great deal of credit for his gallant behaviour.