Elphinstone demanded Lucas's surrender, then brought his fleet into Saldanha Bay when Lucas refused. The British anchored in line of battle at close gunshot range without opening fire. Dutch frigates and sloops faced ships of the line, so their likely early defeat threatened to leave Lucas's three larger warships exposed to concentrated attack. Lucas requested a truce to consult his captains. Elphinstone granted it on the condition that the Dutch crews would not damage their ships, and Lucas gave his assurance.
Notable Point · 36:34-38:22
How Elphinstone forced surrender without opening fire
Elphinstone anchored his superior force within gunshot and secured an assurance against damage to the Dutch ships while Lucas consulted his captains.