tremendous explosion, the action ceased every where, and was succeeded by the most profound silence.  The sky was darkened by clouds of black smoke, which seemed to threaten the destruction of the two fleets.  It was a quarter of an hour before the ships crews recovered from the kind of stupor into which they had been thrown.  Towards eleven o’clock, Le Franklin, anxious to preserve the trust confided to her, recommenced the action with a few of her lower-deck guns; all the rest were dismounted:  two thirds of the ship’s company were killed and wounded, and those who remained prodigiously fatigued.  She was surrounded by enemy’s ships, who mowed down the men every broadside.  At half past eleven o’clock, having only three lower-deck guns that could defend the honour of the flag, it became necessary to put an end to so disproportioned a struggle, and Citoyen Martinet, captain of a frigate, ordered the colours to be struck.

“The action in the rear of the fleet was very trifling, till three quarters past eleven o’clock, when it became very warm.  Three of the enemy’s ships were engaging them, and two were very near.  Le Tonnant, already badly treated, who was nearest the ships engaged, returned a very brisk fire.  About three o’clock in the morning, she was dismasted, and obliged to cut her cables a second time; and, not having any more anchors left, she drove on shore.  Le Guillaume Tell, Le Genereux, and Le Timoleon, shifted their births, and anchored farther down, out of gun-shot.  These vessels were not much damaged.  At half past three o’clock, the action ceased throughout the line.  Early in the morning, the frigate La Justice got under weigh, and made several small tacks to keep near the Guillaume Tell; and, at nine o’clock, anchored:  an English ship having got under weigh, and making small tacks to prevent her getting away.  At six o’clock, two English ships joined those who had been engaging the rear, and began firing on L’Heureux and Le Mercure, which were aground.  The former soon struck, and the latter followed the example, as they could not bring their broadsides to bear on the enemy.  At half past seven, the ship’s crew of L’Artemise frigate quitted her, and set her on fire:  at eight o’clock, she blew up.  The enemy, without doubt, had received great damage in their masts and yards, as they did not get under weigh to attack the remains of the French fleet.  The French flag was flying on board four ships of the line and two frigates.  This division made the most of their time; and, at three quarters past eleven, Le Guillaume Tell, Le Genereux, La Diane, and La Justice, got under weigh, and formed in line of battle.  The English ship that was under sail stood towards her fleet, fearing that she might be cut off; but, two other enemy’s ships were immediately under weigh to assist her.  At noon, Le Timoleon, which probably was not in a state to put to sea, steered right for the shore, under her fore-sail; and, as soon