Besides, thanks to the morning signal for the leewardly ships to chase, these, forming the rear of the disorderly column in which he was advancing, were now well to windward, able therefore to support their comrades, if needful, as well as to attack the enemy.

In short, practically the whole force was coming into action, although much less regularly than might have been desired.

What was to follow was a rough-and-ready fight, but it was all that could be had, and better than nothing.
Keppel therefore simply made the signal for battle, and that just as the firing began.

The collision was so sudden that the ships at first had not their colours flying.
The French also, although their manoeuvres had been more methodical, were in some confusion.

It is not given to a body of thirty ships, of varying qualities, to attain perfection of movement in a fortnight of sea practice.