Upon the Frenchmen's first discovering a sail, a council of war was held by the commander, etc., of the _Elizabeth_ on board the _Doutelle_, along with the passengers and her officers, wherein it was agreed, if no more sail appeared, that the [Sidenote: _fol._ 499.] _Elizabeth_ should engage her, but should reserve her fire till she was so near the _Lion_ as to stand the chance of all her guns having effect, and then to give her a whole broadside; and if the _Lion_ did not sink, to close in with her and board her directly, while the _Doutelle_ should attack and assist her in that, not being able to engage so heavy mettle as the _Lion_ would carry, but with her small arms would be of great use at close fighting. Accordingly, both ships were prepared to engage as agreed upon. The _Lion_, being to windward, bore down upon the _Elizabeth_, and began the engagement at some distance. The _Elizabeth_ followed the directions of the council of war, and received the _Lion's_ shot several times in hopes of putting the plan laid down into execution. But finding the _Lion_ not only had the advantage of the wind, but that the British sailors worked her better than the Frenchmen did the _Elizabeth_, Captain D'oe [Sidenote: _fol._ 500.] then found he could not accomplish his designs, and therefore engaged at a distance; but still tried to get as close to the _Lion_ as possible. The _Elizabeth_, being thus disappointed of attempting to board the _Lion_, rendred all the assistance intended her by the _Doutelle_ of no effect, she being too small a vessel to contend with the _Lion's_ greatest guns; and therefore, when her commander, Captain Durbe, found he could not assist the _Elizabeth_, he drew off to a greater distance to avoid being sunk till a more convenient opportunity might offer. This gave those on board the _Doutelle_ both time and leisure to observe the management and behaviour of both ships. They fought with equal bravery for several hours, but the British sailors showed their superior skill and dexterity, which were highly praised by all on board the _Doutelle_, as well French as Scotch men; for, though the _Elizabeth_ had more men, yet they could not work her so well, nor fire so often as the _Lion_ did.