As soon as the enemy struck, the Commodore, in the full warmth of his feelings, wrote to Sir Edward a short and expressive note:—­

“MY DEAR PELLEW,—­I shall ever hold myself indebted, and under
infinite obligations to you, for the noble and gallant support you
gave me to-day.

“God bless you and all yours! 
“Your most sincere,
“And affectionate friend,
“J.B.  WARREN.”

He then made signal for a general chase.  Both the Flora and Arethusa were too much crippled to follow immediately, though the latter in a very short time repaired her damages sufficiently to enable her to make sail; and the Nymphe, to the great mortification of all on board, was so far astern from the first, that she was never able, with all their exertions, to take any part in the action.  But the Concorde, commanded by Sir Richard Strachan, by superior sailing, came up with the Resolue; when the French Commodore, in l’Engageante, coming to assist his consort, Sir Richard brought his new opponent to close action, and took her.  The Resolue escaped.  It is remarkable that this frigate had been attacked and compelled to submit by Sir R. Strachan, in November, 1791, for resisting the search of some vessels which were carrying stores to Tippoo Saib; and that she was afterwards taken by the Melampus.

The squadron carried their prizes into Portsmouth.  The Commodore was honoured with a red ribbon, a most unusual distinction for a service of this extent, and which he often said Sir Edward Pellew had mainly contributed to place on his shoulder.  Sir J. Warren’s acknowledgments were not the only flattering notice which Sir Edward received.  The First Lord of the Admiralty sent him a letter, dated on the third day after the action.

“DEAR SIR,—­I have but a moment to acknowledge your letter, which I have received this morning with infinite pleasure; and to say, that I am extremely happy the same success and honour attend you in the Arethusa as in the Nymphe.  I shall be very glad to see you while you are refitting, as soon as your leg will permit it, and which, I am happy to hear, is only a sprain.

“I am, dear Sir,
“Your very faithful, humble servant,
“CHATHAM.”

From Lord Howe, the Commander-in-chief on the station, then just about to sail on the cruise which proved so honourable to himself and to his country, he received the following letter:—­

“The Charlotte, St. Helen’s, 28th April, 1794.

“SIR,—­I had already desired Sir John Warren, before the receipt of your favour of this day’s date, to present my congratulations on the very distinguished success which has attended your late undertaking.  The superiority of the Pomone adds much to the credit of it; although the event has not surpassed the confidence I should have entertained of it, if I could have been apprized of the opportunity before the action commenced.

“I am much obliged by the communications which have accompanied
your letter; and remain, with sentiments of particular esteem and
regard,