Neglect of India by the French government 419 England at war with Mysore and with the Mahrattas 420 Arrival of the French squadron under Comte d'Orves 420 It effects nothing and returns to the Isle of France 420 Suffren sails from Brest with five ships-of-the-line, 1781 421 Attacks an English squadron in the Cape Verde Islands, 1781 422 Conduct and results of this attack 424 Distinguishing merits of Suffren as a naval leader 425 Suffren saves the Cape Colony from the English 427 He reaches the Isle of France 427 Succeeds to the chief command of the French fleet 427 Meets the British squadron under Hughes at Madras 427 Analysis of the naval strategic situation in India 428 The first battle between Suffren and Hughes, Feb. 17, 1782 430 Suffren's views of the naval situation in India 433 Tactical oversights made by Suffren 434 Inadequate support received by him from his captains 435 Suffren goes to Pondicherry, Hughes to Trincomalee 436 The second battle between Suffren and Hughes, April 12, 1782 437 Suffren's tactics in the action 439 Relative injuries received by the opposing fleets 441 Contemporaneous English criticisms upon Hughes's conduct 442 Destitute condition of Suffren's fleet 443 His activity and success in supplying wants 443 He communicates with Hyder Ali, Sultan of Mysore 443 Firmness and insight shown by Suffren 445 His refusal to obey orders from home to leave the Indian Coast 446 The third battle between Suffren and Hughes, July 6, 1782 447 Qualities shown by Hughes 449 Stubborn fighting by the British admiral and captains 449 Suffren deprives three captains of their commands 449 Dilatory conduct of Admiral Hughes 450 Suffren attacks and takes Trincomalee 450 Strategic importance of this success 451 Comparative condition of the two fleets in material for repairs 451 The English government despatches powerful reinforcements 452 The French court fails to support Suffren 452 The fourth battle between Suffren and Hughes, Sept. 3, 1782 453 Mismanagement and injuries of the French 455 Contrast between the captains in the opposing fleets 456 Two ships of Suffren's fleet grounded and lost 457 Arrival of British reinforcements under Admiral Bickerton 458