All the shot from the enemy fell short; but we have
reason to believe that some of ours went on board her, as we could
not see them strike the water. Soon after nine, a second frigate
passed under our lee, and opened her broadside, but finding her
shot fall short, discontinued her fire; but continued, as did all
the rest of them, to make all possible exertion to get up with us.
From nine to twelve, all hands were employed in warping the ship
ahead, and in starting some of the water in the main hold to
lighten her, which, with the help of a light air, we rather gained
of the enemy, or, at least, held our own. About two, in the
afternoon, all the boats from the line of battle ship and some of
the frigates were sent to the frigate nearest us, to endeavor to
tow her up, but a light breeze sprung up, which enabled us to hold
way with her, notwithstanding they had eight or ten boats ahead,
and all her sails furled to tow her to windward. The wind continued
light until eleven at night, and the boats were kept ahead towing
and warping to keep out of reach of the enemy, three of the
frigates being very near us; at eleven, we got a light breeze from
the southward, the boats came along side and were hoisted up, the
ship having too much way to keep them ahead, the enemy still in
chase and very near.
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