The Board directed Sir Edward to return to Falmouth, and proceed without delay to reconnoitre Brest. During his absence, Sir J.B. Warren had arrived with his frigates; and a squadron, consisting of the _Pomone_, _Arethusa_, _Diamond_, _Galatea_, and _Concorde_, sailed from Falmouth on the 2nd of January, and arrived off Ushant on the following morning. The _Diamond_, commanded by Sir Sidney Smith, was sent a-head to reconnoitre, and the squadron followed. A line-of-battle ship was seen at anchor in Bertheaume Bay on the evening of the 4th. The _Diamond_ persevered in working up through the night, and at eight next morning was seen returning to the squadron. Sir Sidney reported that he had completely reconnoitred Brest at daylight, and ascertained that the enemy's fleet was at sea. On his return, he was under the necessity of passing very near the French seventy-four, but having disguised his ship with French colours, and a _bonnet rouge_ at her head, he went boldly under the enemy's stern, and hailed her in French. She was the ship from L'Orient, _Le Caton_, which had been obliged to return to port disabled, and her pumps were going as she lay at anchor. Sir Sidney gave the name of his own ship as _La Surveillante_; and having offered assistance, which was declined, he took leave, and made sail for the squadron. The enemy's fleet, thirty-five sail of the line, thirteen frigates, and sixteen smaller vessels, had put to sea towards the end of December. Some of them were driven back by a gale, but the fleet continued to cruise until the end of January, when they were obliged to return to port, with the loss of five ships.[6] The squadron, having effected their principal object, arrived off Falmouth, and landed despatches on the 6th. They afterwards continued their cruise until the 22d, when they returned to port.