They ran on the middle ground, owing, Parker reported, to the ignorance of the pilots.

Two had fouled each other before striking.

Having taken the bottom on a rising tide, two floated in a few hours, and retreated; but the third, the _Actaeon_, 28, sticking fast, was set on fire and abandoned by her officers.

Before she blew up, the Americans boarded her, securing her colours, bell, and some other trophies.

"Had these ships effected their purpose," Moultrie reported, "they would have driven us from our guns." The main division held its ground until long after nightfall, firing much of the time, but stopping at intervals.