The Virginia Gazette

Admiralty-Office, July 23. On Tuesday the 9th of this Month, his Majesty's Ship the Lion, of 58 Guns, being in the Latitude of 47:57 N. and West from the Meridian of the Lizard 39 Leagues, Capt. Brett, her Commander, saw two Sail to Leeward, to which he immediately bore down, and by Three in the Afternoon made them to be two of the Enemy's Ships. By Four o'Clock he was within two Miles of them, then they hoisted French Colours and shortened Sail; one of them was a Man of War of 64 Guns, and the other a Ship of 16 Guns. At Five the Lion ran along side the largest Ship, and began to engage within Pistol Shot, and continued in that Situation until Ten, during which Time they kept a continual Fire at each other, when the Lion's Rigging being cut to Pieces, her Mizen-Mast, Mizen Top-mast, Main-yard, Fore top-sail-yard, and Main-top-sail-yard shot away, all her lower Masts and Top-masts shot through in many Places, so that she lay muzzled in the Sea, and could do nothing with her Sails. The French Ship bore off, and in less than an Hour was out of Sight, the Lion not being able to follow her. The small Ship in the Beginning of the Engagement made two Attempts to rake the Lion, but was soon beat off by her Stern Chase, and after that lay off at a great Distance. Forty five of the Lion's Men were killed outright, and 107 wounded, eleven of whom died of their Wounds soon after. Capt. Brett was wounded, and very much bruised in the Arm, and his Master had his right Arm shot off in the Beginning of the Engagement. His Lieutenants were all wounded two Hours before the Action was over, but nevertheless would not leave the Deck, but continued encouraging the Men to the last, excepting the first Lieutenant, who was so much hurt, that he was obliged to be carried off at 8 o'Clock, not being able to stand any longer. The Lion is come into Plymouth to clean and refit for the Sea.