was followed by the Dædalus under all sail. At 3 p.m., the Prudente hosted her colours, and opened a fire from her stem chasers. At 10 minutes past noon the Prudente shortened sail, hauled to the wind on the larboard tack, and fired a broadside at the Dædalus; who, by this time, had shortened sail to her topsails. At 25 minutes past noon the British frigate bore up across the stern of the French frigate, within half pistol-shot, and, after pouring in a raking broadside, luffed up under her lee. The two ships, thus side by side, commenced. an animated interchange of broadsides ; and, in a quarter of an hour, the mizenmast of the Prudente fell over her quarter. The latter, nevertheless, continued the cannonade until 1 h. 21 m. p.m. ; when, being much cut in masts, rigging, and sails, and considerably shattered in hull, the Prudente struck her colours,

The damages done to the Dædalus were of comparatively trifling amount. Her main stay was cut through, and her running rigging and many of her lower shrouds injured ; but her hull was scarcely touched. Out of a crew of 212 men and boys, she had one seaman and one marine killed, and 11 seamen and one marine wounded. The Prudente was much shattered in both hull and masts, and, out of a crew, as deposed by her officers, of 301 men and boys (four less than the number stated in Captain Ball's letter), lost 27 officers and men killed and 22 wounded:

The slight disparity in the broadside weight of metal by no means equals the disparity in execution. Not a doubt therefore remains that, had the Prudente mounted the few 6-pounders, which she wanted of her establishment, the result of the action would have been precisely the same ; a result, especially when the difference in number of men is considered, highly creditable to Captain Ball, his officers, and ship's company. On the other hand, let us in justice remark, that the reason the Prudente made sail, when first descried by the Daedalus, does not appear to have been to avoid an engagement, but to allow her prize an opportunity of effecting her escape. As soon as the latter was considered to be out of danger, and the prize did, we believe reach the Isle of France in safety, the Prudente shortened sail for her adversary to come up ; and that Captain Le Joliff did not surrender at an earlier moment than was consistent with his duty, the damage and loss which his ship sustained in the action abundantly proves.

Taking her prize in tow, the Dædalus proceeded to Table

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