Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p1.djvu/266

 Mr. Brace subsequently removed with Captain Lumsdaine into the Polyphemus 64; and was first Lieutenant of that ship at the capture of la Tortue of 44 guns, having on board a considerable number of troops, Jan. 5, 1797. In the ensuing summer we find him commanding the Kangaroo of 18 guns on the Irish station; where he rendered essential service to the country, by beating out of Cork harbour during a heavy gale of wind, and conveying information to the different cruisers on the coast, of M. Bompard’s approach with a formidable French squadron, which was consequently encountered and defeated by Sir John Borlase Warren, on the 12th Oct. 1798.

We have already shewn in what manner seven of M. Bompard’s ships were disposed of ; and alluded to the drubbing which one of them received from an English frigate of far inferior force, previous to her capture: but having omitted to notice the zeal and gallantry displayed by Captain Brace on that occasion, we gladly avail ourselves of this opportunity to do so, taking Captain Newman’s official letter as our guide.

At eight A.M. on the 15th Oct. that officer, in the Mermaid, mounting twenty-six long 12-pounders, six long 6’s, and eight 24-pr. carronades, with a complement of 208 men, being on his way towards Black Cod Bay, in company with the Revolutionnaire frigate, and Kangaroo, brig, fell in with and pursued two of Bompard’s squadron, retreating from the scene of their late disaster. Having gained considerably on the fugitives before sun-set, Captain Newman was in hopes of bringing them to action that night, and made the signal to prepare accordingly. At the commencement of the chase, the Frenchmen kept their wind; but towards the evening, were right before it with all sail set. They then spoke and hauled from each other, which necessarily separated the British frigates, Captain Twysden in the Revolutionnaire, and Captain Newman, each pursuing one; the latter officer was