The enemy were edging away from the wind, and several of their ships were changing stations in the line; some of them without topmasts and topsail yards.
About 7, the van of our fleet being within three miles of the enemy's centre, the heavy ships in the rear a considerable way astern, the Admiral made the signal to haul to the wind together on the larboard tack, judging we should not be able to bring on a general action to-night.

At sunset the enemy were in a line ahead from north-west by west to north-east by east about four miles distant, and apparently steering about two points from the wind.

At 11 the Phaeton passed along the line, and informed the different ships that Lord Howe intended carrying single reefed T.S.F.sail, jib and M.T.M.S.

sail.* (* Letters probably denote single reefed Top Sails, Fore sail, jib and Main Topmast and Main Stay sails.) After speaking us he kept on our lee bow; each ship carrying a light by signal.

A.M., fresh breezes and cloudy.