At eleven P.M.of the 19th the French admiral estimated his position to be seventy miles southwest by west from Belle Isle;[101] and the wind springing up fresh from the westward, he stood for it under short sail, the wind continuing to increase and hauling to west-northwest.

At daybreak several ships were seen ahead, which proved to be the English squadron of Commodore Duff, blockading Quiberon.

The signal was made to chase; and the English, taking flight, separated into two divisions,--one going off before the wind, the other hauling up to the southward.

The greater part of the French fleet continued its course after the former division, that is, toward the coast; but one ship hauled up for the second.

Immediately after, the rear French ships made signal of sails to windward, which were also visible from aloft on board the flag-ship.