As Rodney's flagship, the _Formidable_ (98), which was half way down the British line, was coming up with the _Glorieux_ (74), the fourth from Grasse's flagship, the _Ville de Paris_ (104), a slight change in the wind opened a gap between the _Glorieux_ and the ship next astern of her. Douglas urged Rodney to steer through the gap. He refused, then yielded; and as the _Formidable_, firing right and left from every gun at the ships on either side of her, passed round the stern of the _Glorieux_, and within pistol-shot of her, the French _canonniers_ could be seen throwing down their sponges and handspikes and running below to escape the storm of shot which she poured upon them. This time Rodney's captains were quick to understand what he was at. The next five ships followed the _Formidable_, and like her engaged on the windward side of the enemy. Almost at the same time the ship sixth astern of her also cut the enemy's line, passing through a gap abreast of her. The French line was thus cut into three divisions, and its central portion, consisting of five ships, was thrown together and exposed to a deadly attack. By noon the enemy was scattered in various groups, the English, who had gained the wind, attacking at will and without any order. Grasse fought his ship, the splendid offering of the city of Paris to its king, with conspicuous gallantry, and the slaughter on board her was awful. At last, about 6 P.M., he hauled down the flag of France with his own hands, and surrendered himself to Hood on the _Barfleur_ (90). Rodney then stopped the fight. Four other prizes were taken. Twenty more, Hood declared, might have been taken if Rodney had followed up his victory. He certainly lost a fine opportunity, probably because disease and suffering had robbed him of some of his former vigour. As it was, the "Battle of the Saints" saved Jamaica from invasion, seriously damaged the French fleet, and shed glory on the navy of Britain.[167]