“Half-past six, ‘For eight sail W.N.W.’
“A quarter before seven, ‘Enemy’s ships of war are at anchor.’
“Ten minutes to seven, ‘Enemy’s ships are getting under way.’
“Five minutes before seven, ‘Enemy’s ships are of the line.’
“At seven, saw eight sail under the land, standing to the westward, under press of sail. Answered signal, ‘Prepare for battle.’
“At eight, signal, ‘Engage as coming up with the enemy, and take stations for mutual support.’
“Five minutes past eight, ‘Make all sail possible, preserving the same order.’ Perceived the enemy’s force to consist of one three-decker, four two-deckers, two frigates, and a corvette.
“At a quarter past ten, the Superb commenced to fire on the enemy’s van. At twenty past ten, the Northumberland and Spencer began firing. At half-past, we opened our fire on the first ship in the enemy’s line, at that time engaged by the Spencer, passing close across her bows, with one broadside brought her masts by the board. Stood on towards the three-decker, firing occasionally at her and two other of the enemy’s ships, as we could get our guns to bear. All the squadron in action.
“At a quarter to eleven, the Atlas ran on board of us, and carried away our bowsprit, but got clear without doing us material damage.
“At ten minutes to eleven, the dismasted ship struck, as did shortly after two others. Engaged with the three-decker, which appeared to be pushing for the shore. At ten minutes to twelve, gave her a raking broadside, which brought down her mizen mast, and appeared to do great damage to her stern and quarter.