The effect of this was to draw them gradually away from the hostile line, taking them out of range of the British centre and rear.

This, if imitated by their followers, would render the affair even more partial and indecisive than such passing by usually was.

The fourth French ship began the action, opening fire soon after eleven.

The vessels of the opposing fleets surged by under short canvas, (D), firing as opportunity offered, but necessarily much handicapped by smoke, which prevented the clear sight of an enemy, and caused anxiety lest an unseen friend might receive a broadside.

"The distance between the _Formidable_, 90, (Palliser's flagship) and the _Egmont_, 74, was so short," testified Captain John Laforey, whose three-decker, the _Ocean_, 90, was abreast and outside this interval, "that it was with difficulty I could keep betwixt them to engage, without firing upon them, and I was once very near on board the _Egmont_,"-- next ahead of the _Ocean_.