Louis indeed was apprised of their junction before they were descried by his admiral, to whom he dispatched a countermanding order by two several vessels; but one of them was taken by the English, and the other did not arrive till the day after the engagement.
{WILLIAM AND MARY, 1688--1701.} [Illustration: 2-038-hogue-battle.jpg BATTLE OF LA HOGUE] HE OBTAINS A COMPLETE VICTORY OVER THE FRENCH.
Tourville therefore, in obedience to the first mandate, bore down alongside of Russel's own ship, which he engaged at a very small distance.

He fought with great fury till one o'clock, when his rigging and sails being considerably damaged, his ship, the Rising-Sun, which carried one hundred and four cannon, was towed out of the line in great disorder.

Nevertheless the engagement continued till three, when the fleets were parted by a thick fog: when this abated, the enemy were descried flying to the northward, and Russel made the signal for chasing.

Part of the blue squadron came up with the enemy about eight in the evening, and engaged them half an hour, during which admiral Carter was mortally wounded.

Finding himself in extremity, he exhorted his captain to fight as long as the ship could swim, and expired with great composure.