The _Marseillais_, 74, lost her foremast and bowsprit.
In the dispersal of the two fleets that followed the gale, each of these crippled vessels, on the evening of the 13th, encountered singly a British 50-gun ship; the _Languedoc_ being attacked by the _Renown_, and the _Marseillais_ by the _Preston_.

The conditions in each instance were distinctly favourable to the smaller combatant; but both unfortunately withdrew at nightfall, making the mistake of postponing to to-morrow a chance which they had no certainty would exist after to-day.

When morning dawned, other French ships appeared, and the opportunity passed away.

The British _Isis_, 50, also was chased and overtaken by the _Cesar_, 74.

In the action which ensued, the French ship's wheel was shot away, and she retired;--two other British vessels, one of the line, being in sight.