Essex's carronades made range the decisive tactical choice

Essex carried forty 32-pounder carronades but only six 12-pounder long guns, producing an immense short-range broadside with little reach. Phoebe was faster, in better condition, and armed with 18-pounder long guns that gave her an overwhelming advantage at longer range. Essex's total broadside weight was nearly equal to that of Phoebe and Cherub combined, making a close engagement dangerous for the British. Cherub could provide support while Essex Junior was too lightly armed to shape the main fight. Hillyar could exploit the difference between total firepower and firepower effective at the range he chose.