John Byng Quotations

By this time it was past six, and the enemy's van and ours were at too great a distance to engage, I perceived some of their ships stretching to the northward; and I imagined they were going to form a new line.

I do not send their Lordships the particulars of our losses and damages by this, as it would take me much time; and I am willing none should be lost in letting them know an event of such consequence.

Falling little wind, it was five before I could form my line, or distinguish any of the enemy's motions; and could not judge at all of their force, more than by numbers, which were seventeen, and thirteen appeared large.

At two I made the signal to engage: I found it was the surest method of ordering every ship to close down on the one that fell to their lot.

The enemy now began to appear from the mast-head.

I brought to about eight that night to join the INTREPID, and to refit our ships as fast as possible, and continued doing so all night.

The next morning we saw nothing of the enemy, though we were still lying to.