1808	Light Squadrons and Single Ships	66

Dédaigneuse, who immediately crowded all sail upon a wind in chase, with light airs. At about midnight the two frigates crossed each other on opposite tacks, and were not more than half a mile apart. As the Sémillante approached on the larboard tack., the Dédaigneuse fired two or three bow-chasers at her ; and, on hearing the French frigate beat to quarters, the British frigate discharged her broadside as the guns would bear. Putting her helm a-lee, the Dédaigneuse then prepared to tack after her opponent ; but, owing to the lightness of the wind, the ship would not come round. A quarter boat was lowered down to tow ; and at length, by wearing, the Dédaigneuse got on the same tack as the enemy. In the mean time the Sémillante had greatly increased her distance. All sail was again set in chase ; but, having lost a great deal of copper from her bottom, being very foul, and at best a bad working ship, the Dédaigneuse kept gradually dropping astern. Finding this to be the case, Captain Proctor, at about 5 p.m. shortened sail and hauled to the wind on the starboard tack. Very soon afterwards the Sémillante anchored in Port-Louis ; and such vessels of her convoy, as did not enter with her, succeeded in gaining Rivière Noire.

The Dédaigneuse cruised off the Isle of France until her water and provisions were nearly expended ; which was only a short time longer. The frigate then steered for St. Mary's, Madagascar, and afterwards proceeded to Bombay. In the mean time some insinuations, thrown out by a portion of his officers, had induced Captain Proctor to apply for a court-martial on his conduct when in the presence of the Sémillante. The court sat on board the Culloden, in Bombay harbour, on the 27th of March, 1807 ; and, after the fullest investigation, declared that the conduct of Captain Proctor appeared to have been marked by the greatest activity, zeal, and anxiety for the service ; that the manoeuvres of the Dédaigneuse while in the presence of the enemy, were directed with judgment and skill ; very honourable to Captain Proctor; and that. the escape of the enemy's frigate resulted entirely from the bad sailing of the Dédaigneuse. An honourable acquittal of course followed ; and the president of the court returned Captain Proctor his sword with a very handsome eulogium on his character.

In the month of June Captain Motard quitted Port-Louis upon a cruise in the bay of Bengal ; but, having in her way thither lost one of her topmasts and sprung her bowsprit, the Sémillante was obliged to bear away for the isles of Nicobar. From the forests of the principal of these islands, Captain Motard procured a bowsprit and topmasts for his frigate ; and as soon as they were fitted upon her, the Sémillante sailed for her destination. While cruising in the bay of Bengal, Captain Motard was so fortunate as to capture three richly-laden country-ships on their way to China. With these valuable prizes in her company, the Sémillante sailed on her return to the Isle of

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