At 7.30 A.M. the “Tom” had placed herself abeam of the Packet to larboard, while the “Bona” lay on the starboard quarter, and both their broadsides were crashing into the “Townshend” at pistol shot distance, all three vessels running before the wind. This lasted till eight o’clock. The Americans, as was usual with them, made great use of “dismantling shot,” _i.e._ chain and bar shot; the effect of which upon the rigging of the “Townshend” was most disastrous. It was not long before her sails were hanging in ribbons, and her spars greatly damaged; and in some momentary confusion from this cause the “Tom” seized an opportunity of pouring in her boarders, while the “Bona” redoubled her fire, both of great guns and of musketry, to cover their attack. In what force the boarders came on this occasion we are not told, but as the crew of the “Tom” consisted of one hundred and thirty men there is no improbability in supposing that they numbered fifty or sixty. Captain Cock, moreover, having a foe on either quarter, could not bring the whole even of his handful of men to meet them, but must leave a sufficient number to work the guns, which were keeping the “Bona” at a respectful distance. He may perhaps have had twenty men at his back in this hand-to-hand fight; but each one of them acquitted himself so well that after a fierce tussle the Americans were driven back to their own ship. This success was only won by the loss of four of Captain Cock’s best hands, who received disabling wounds in the fight. Thereupon both Privateers resumed the cannonade, maintaining the positions which they had taken up at the commencement of the action, and for another hour the “Townshend” endured the fire of her enemies’ heavy guns, the courage of her commander and crew remaining as high and stubborn as ever. The Packet was now so much shattered that she could with difficulty be handled. Again and again the “Tom” bore down upon her, and hurled fresh boarders up her sides. Time after time Captain Cock led his wearied men to meet them, and each time drove them back.