Transcription

the Squadron was thrown nearly into a Line a Breast made the Signal for continuing in that form, least by endeavouring to regain the Line a head, it might become extended, At 11 made the Signal for a Line ahead of 2 Cables length asunder, the Wind backing to the Eastward, favoured my forming in that Order, the better to receive the Enemy, then about three Miles to Windward, at fourteen Minutes past Eleven made the Signal for the Rear to close to the Center, at 12 falling little Wind against all the Ships being thrown into a Line a Breast, made the Signal for a Line a Breast, to keep the Squadron as close together as possible; at 25 Minutes past 12 the Wind blowing steady at SE, made the Signal for a General Chace to Windward, with a design of Weathering the Enemy, which I should certainly have succeeded in had the Breeze continued--but the Wind dying away. At 4, I found it impracticable to Weather the Enemy, and therefore made the Signal for a Line ahead, and having been informed that the Intrepid made so much Water they could scarce keep her free, And that the Centaur was in the same State owing to the Number of Shot between Wind & Water, and that her Lower Masts were very badly Wounded; which, added to the loss of the Russel from the Line, and from the knowledge I had of the State of the Ships in General having upwards of 1500 Men Sick and Short of Complement. --I judjed it improper to dare the Enemy to Battle any longer, [[catchword]] not [[/catchword]]