As regards the first, he, knowing the criticisms of the fleet, wrote home that his line was too much disordered to allow it.

Whatever the technical irregularity, it is difficult to believe that, with the relative power of motion in the two fleets, the attempt was hopeless.

The third alternative probably presented the greatest advantage, for it insured the separation between the enemy's main body and the crippled ships, and might very probably exasperate the British admiral into an attack under most hazardous conditions.

It is stated by English authorities that Byron said he would have borne down again, had any attack been made on them.
At three P.M.

D'Estaing tacked all together, forming line on the lee ship,[136] and stood to the southward again.