two ships, still running under a press of canvass, came to action.  The Indefatigable had only one broadside-gun more than her opponent; but her size and very heavy metal gave her an irresistible superiority.  Seven of the Virginie’s people were killed at one of the quarter-deck guns, which struck such a panic in those around them, that it was with difficulty they could be induced to return to their quarters.  Yet Bergeret fought his ship with admirable skill and gallantry, and maintained a very protracted action, constantly endeavouring to cripple the Indefatigable’s rigging.  Sir Edward had a very narrow escape.  The main-top-mast was shot away, and falling forward, it disabled the main yard, and came down on the splinter-netting directly over his head.  Happily, the netting was strong enough to bear the wreck.

It was an hour and three-quarters from the commencement of the action, when, the Virginie’s mizen-mast and main-top-mast being shot away, the Indefatigable unavoidably went a-head.  In addition to her former damage, she had lost her foreyard and gaff, and her rigging was so much cut that she was unable immediately to shorten sail.  The Virginie was completely riddled.  Some of the Indefatigable’s shot had even gone through the sail-room and out at the opposite side of the ship.  She had four feet water in her hold, and more than forty of her crew were killed and wounded.  Yet she attempted to rake her opponent as she was shooting a-head, and had nearly succeeded in doing so.

While the Indefatigable was reeving fresh braces, the other frigates came up, having been enabled to make a shorter distance by the altered course of the combatants during the chase.  On their approach, the Virginie fired a lee-gun, and hauled down her light; and being hailed by the Concorde, replied, “We must surrender, there are so many of you:  we strike to the frigate a-head.”  A more brave and skilful resistance is scarcely afforded by the annals of the war; and the officer who thus defends his ship against a very superior force may challenge more honour than would be claimed by the victor.

A boat was sent from the Indefatigable for the gallant prisoner, who was deeply affected at his misfortune, and wept bitterly.  He inquired to whom he had struck; and being told Sir Edward Pellew, “Oh!” he exclaimed, “that is the most fortunate man that ever lived!  He takes everything, and now he has taken the finest frigate in France.”

Bergeret was for some time the honoured guest of Sir Edward and his family, and the British Government considered him an officer of sufficient character to be offered in exchange for Sir Sidney Smith, who had been made prisoner at Havre just before.  They sent him to France on his parole, to effect this object; but his application not being successful, he returned to England.  Two years after, Sir Sidney Smith escaped, and the British Government, with a feeling most honourable to themselves, set Bergeret unconditionally at liberty.  Thus do the brave and good, in challenging the respect of their enemies, contribute to soften the rigours of war, and to create a better feeling between hostile nations.