Commodore Arthur Forrest took Augusta, Dreadnought, and Edinburgh against four French ships of the line and three frigates. The three British captains met aboard Augusta after sighting the superior force and agreed to accept battle. Suckling's reported reply that it would be a pity to disappoint the enemy captures their confidence. The decision to attack provides a compact case study in aggressive command by officers trusted to exercise judgment far from home.
Chapter · 34:36-37:15
Suckling fought the outnumbered battle of Cap-Français
Three British ships of the line attacked a stronger French escort after their captains deliberately chose battle over withdrawal.