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16 sailed from Brest only the day before, and were escorted by the Protecteur and Pégase, of 74 guns each, l’Actionaire, a two-decker armed en flute, and a frigate. The Foudroyant gained so fast upon the chace, that it was evident they could not escape without an engagement; the convoy was therefore dispersed by signal; and the two 74’s having consulted together, it was determined, that, as the Protecteur had a large quantity of money on board, she should make the best of her way; and that, if fighting was inevitable, the Pégase should abide the consequence. A little before one A.M. the Foudroyant came up, and was closely engaged with the Pégase. The action was extremely fierce whilst it lasted; but, within less than an hour from its commencement, Captain Jervis laid the French ship aboard on the larboard quarter, and compelled her to strike. Nothing could have afforded a more remarkable instance of the decided superiority of seamanship and discipline on the one side, and of the great effects which these qualifications produced on the other, than the circumstances of this gallant action. On board the Pégase, 80 men were killed and wounded; the hull, masts, and yards of the French ship, were materially injured; and the damage she sustained was beyond any thing that could have been supposed, considering the short time she was engaged; while the Foudroyant received but little injury; not a man was killed; none mortally, and her commander the most seriously wounded. At this time the sea was so rough, that it was with great difficulty Captain Jervis, with the loss of two boats, could put an officer and eighty men on board the prize. Soon after this was effected, the Foudroyant lost sight of the Pégase; but the Queen fortunately coming up, took possession of her. In consequence of this gallant action, Captain Jervis was honoured with the insignia of a Knight of the Bath.

In the month of October, 1782, Sir John Jervis accompanied Earl Howe, who was sent with a powerful fleet to 