It was then blowing strong from southeast, and raining.

Keith took his own station off the mouth of the harbor, placed other ships where he thought best, and signalled Nelson to chase to windward with three ships-of-the-line, which were afterwards joined by a fourth, then cruising on the southeast of the island.

The next day the wind shifted to northwest, but it was not until the morning of the 18th that the enemy were discovered.

Guns were then heard to the northward, by those on board the "Foudroyant," which made all sail in pursuit, and soon sighted the "Alexander" chasing four French sail.

"Pray God we may get alongside of them," wrote Nelson in his journal; "the event I leave to Providence.