This was not so here.

Nor should the "Cornwall," "Grafton," and "Lion" have been permitted to take a course which allowed, almost compelled, the enemy to concentrate rather than diffuse his fire.

The details of the affair are not precise enough to warrant more comment than naming these mistakes, without necessarily attributing them to fault on the part of the admiral.
The French had up to this time remained strictly on the defensive, in accordance with their usual policy.

There was now offered an opportunity for offensive action which tested D'Estaing's professional qualities, and to appreciate which the situation at the moment must be understood.

Both fleets were by this on the starboard tack, heading north (B, B, B), the French to leeward.