Why the fleet totals concealed a French edge

The opposing fleets looked broadly comparable at 24 French ships of the line and two frigates against 21 British line ships and one frigate, but their composition mattered. Two French second rates and several 50-gun ships faced a British fleet concentrated in third rates. One 50-gun vessel, Fier Rodrigue, was a privateer and convoy escort taken into the French line for the battle. The French advantage amounted to 176 guns, roughly the firepower of two fourth rates and a second rate in this comparison. Two French frigates also provided more capacity to relay signals than the single British frigate. In a distant theatre, even a 50-gun ship was a meaningful addition when the opponent lacked an equivalent hull, so the nominal ship count understated the French edge.