At 8.10 the signal was made to bear up and each engage his opponent.

We accordingly ran down within musket shot of our opponent, and hove to, having received several broadsides from their van ships in so doing.

We now began a severe fire upon our opponent, the second ship in the enemy's van, which she returned with great briskness.
The van ship likewise fired many shot at us, his opponent the Caesar keeping to windward, not more than two points before our beam in general, and of course nearly out of point-blank shot.

About 8.30 Admiral Graves made his and the Russell's signal to engage their opponent; we likewise made Captain Molloy's (the Caesar) signal twice to bear down and come to close action.

About 9 the action became general throughout the two fleets, but the Tremendous kept out of the line, but on being ordered in by signal from the Admiral, she bore down after some time.