The _Ceres_ had fallen to leeward, and three grabs attacked her, while three more bore down on the _Harrington_ to windward.

Disregarding his own attackers, Jenkins bore down on the assailants of the _Ceres_, and drove them off; then, hauling his wind, he awaited the attack of the others.

The three leeward grabs were towed up within range, and for the next two or three hours the _Harrington_ engaged all six, almost single-handed.

The wind had fallen; the _Ceres_ and _Halifax_ were out of gunshot; the _Pulteney_ alone was able to give assistance at long range.

So well served were the _Harrington's_ guns that she inflicted more damage than she received, and, by ten o'clock, four of the grabs gave up the contest and were towed away to windward.