The close-range 1781 battle and its strategic result

Zoutman formed first but delayed opening fire, allowing Hyde Parker's ragged and travel-worn squadron time to correct its order and close. The fleets then exchanged fire at roughly half musket-shot range, producing casualties greater than those at the larger Chesapeake action a month later. Both lines became difficult to control and eventually separated rather than renewing the fight. The badly damaged Dutch ship Holland later sank, while a British frigate recovered her still-flying colors. Both sides claimed victory, but the Dutch fleet did not sortie again during the war, giving Britain the stronger operational result. Parker nevertheless regarded the condition of his ships and the limited exploitation as evidence of deeper service problems.