Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v1p1.djvu/218

188 ships without coming to anchor; the Pompée to anchor abreast of the inner ship; the Audacious, Spencer, Caesar, and Hannibal, to anchor abreast of the other French ships and the Spanish batteries; and the boats of the squadron to be lowered down and armed, in readiness to act where required.

At about eight A.M., the Venerable, then at a considerable distance to leeward, not being able to fetch further into the bay, returned the fire that had been opened upon the British as they advanced by the Spanish batteries on the island; and in half an hour after, the French ships joined in the cannonade. The Pompée soon after brought up in her allotted station, and commenced a most tremendous fire on the French Admiral; in a little while, however, she broke her sheer by a sudden flaw of wind, and was prevented from bringing more than a few guns to bear. The Audacious anchored astern of the Pompée; but, after a short time, was also baffled in bringing her broadside to a proper bearing. At about a quarter past nine, the Caesar dropped her anchor a-head of the Audacious, and opened her fire; and shortly afterwards the Hannibal, who, along with the Spencer, had been becalmed outside, got a breeze, and, anchoring a-head and within hail of the Caesar, united her fire to that of her companions. The Spencer next came into action; but, in spite of all her efforts, could not get much nearer than was sufficient to expose her to the heavy cannonade that continued to blaze from the numerous batteries by which the bay was defended.

A little after ten o’clock, Captain Ferris, having been ordered by Sir James Saumarez to go and rake the Formidable, cut his cable, and made sail to the northward. After standing in to a quarter less six, the Hannibal tacked for the French ship; shortening sail as she advanced, in order to be ready to hawl athwart her opponent’s hawse. Just, however, as Captain Ferris had got within hail of the French Admiral, the Hannibal took the ground; and, notwithstanding every possible effort was made to cover and get her off, she struck with such force that it was found impracticable. Captain Ferris made a most gallant resistance against the incessant fire of the Formidable, supported by the batteries and seven heavy gun-boats. At length finding it impossible to save the