At 10 the chase was nearly hull down, and gained upon us.

Stood back to the fleet, being recalled by signal.

Saw one of the prizes in flames, and found the three had been destroyed at noon; 162 leagues west by south of Ushant." In the ensuing pages we are brought into the thick of the battle.
"Wednesday, May 28th.

Saw two strange sail, one of which the Phoenix spoke, and soon after made signal for a strange fleet south-south-west.
About 8, we counted 33 sail, 24 or 25 of which appeared to be of the line, and all standing down towards us.

At 8.30 our signal was made to reconnoitre the enemy--as we were now certain they were.