At 5 P.M.Keppel sent word by a frigate to Palliser to hasten into the line, as he was only waiting for him to renew the action, the French now having completed their manoeuvre.

They had not attacked, as they might have done, but had drawn up under the lee of the British, their van abreast the latter's centre.

At the same time Harland was directed to move to his proper position in the van, which he at once did (Fig.

3, V).

Palliser made no movement, and Keppel with extraordinary--if not culpable--forbearance refrained from summoning the rear ships into line by their individual pennants.