D'Orvilliers, to windward, had no intention of fighting except on his own terms.

As will generally be the case, the fleet acting on the offensive obtained its wish.

At daybreak of the 27th both fleets were on the port tack, heading west-northwest, with a steady breeze at southwest (Plate IX., A, A, A).[121] The English rear (R) had fallen to leeward,[122] and Keppel consequently made signal to six of its ships to chase to windward, so as to place them in a better position to support the main body if it could get into action.

D'Orvilliers observed this movement, and construed it to show an intention to attack his rear with a superior force.

The two fleets being then from six to eight miles apart, he wore his fleet in succession (French A to B), by which he lost ground to leeward, but approached the enemy, and was able to see them better (Positions B, B, B).