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Great Britain | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ship Name | Commander | Notes | |
| Name : Terpsichore (32)
1785-1830 British 32 Gun 5th Rate Frigate | Richard BowenBritish Naval Sailor Service 1790-1793 | ||
République Française | |||
| Ship Name | Commander | Notes | |
| Name : La Vestale (32)
1780-1799 French 32 Gun 5th Rate Frigate | 30 killed , 37 wounded Captured | ||
| Name : La Vestale (32)
1780-1799 French 32 Gun 5th Rate Frigate | Captured 30 killed, 37 wounded | ||
The Terpsichore, Captain Richard Bowen, chased the French Vestale, 36, Captain Fourcaud, off Cadiz. 3 On the 13th the Frenchman hove to, and waited for the Terpsichore, which came up at 11.30 P.M. and began a hot action in stormy weather. At 1.20 A.M. the Vestale, with all her masts and her bowsprit tottering, struck. Her mizenmast fell just after her surrender; and, before the British boats could reach her, her mainmast, foremast and bowsprit followed.
The high sea and strong wind prevented the Terpsichore from placing an adequate crew on board the prize, or transferring the prisoners, and, on the 14th, the Vestale's men rose on the British party, recaptured the ship, and reached Cadiz. For this action the gallant Bowen received no warm commendation from Sir John Jervis, and no reward from the country. The merchants of London gave him, however, a piece of plate.