They could not have been casemated, and might indisputably have been silenced by the grapeshot of the ships that could have been brought against them.

Rose Island could be approached on the front and on the west flank within two hundred yards, and on the north within half a mile.

There was nothing to prevent this right flank of the French, including the line of ships, being enfiladed and crushed by the English ships taking position west of Rose Island.

The essential points of close range and superior height were thus possible to the English fleet, which numbered twenty to the enemy's seven.

If successful in destroying the shipping and reducing Rose Island, it could find anchorage farther up the bay and await a favorable wind to retire.