A story is told of a female sailor who fought in the action. While the battle was raging, one of the crew of a gun being wounded and sent below, a woman took his place. After the action she was brought before the admiral, when it was discovered that she was the sailor’s wife, and had been concealed on board. She declared that she thought it her duty to supply her husband’s place, and fight the French. Rodney threatened her for a breach of the rules, but privately sent her a purse of ten guineas.
A few days afterwards the admiral detached Sir Samuel Hood in chase of the crippled French ships, when two more were captured in the same gallant way by Captain Goodall of the Valiant. A frigate of 32 guns and a sloop of 16 were also taken.
For this action Sir George Rodney was created a peer of Great Britain; Sir Samuel Hood a peer of Ireland; and Admiral Drake and Commodore Affleck were made baronets.
These actions must be taken merely as examples of what the navy was about at that time.
Towards the end of 1782, negotiations for a general peace were set on foot, and it was finally concluded early in the following year.
Chapter Fifteen.
George the Third—from War with Republican France, A.D. 1792, to end of A.D. 1802.
We will briefly run over a few events which occurred previous to the breaking out of the first revolutionary war.