HMS Orion followed the leading ships inside and answered Sérieuse's attack with a devastating broadside, illustrating why frigates normally avoided ships of the line. Nelson then kept Vanguard and following ships on the expected seaward side. French crews prepared to fight one broadside now had to divide scarce men between both sides, while the unengaged French rear failed to move forward and break the concentration. Local two-to-one engagements converted near parity in total ships into overwhelming British superiority at the point of contact.
Chapter · 1:59:40-2:06:17
British captains extend the attack down both sides
Saumarez followed the inside route, disabled the frigate Sérieuse after it opened fire, and the main British line anchored outside to double the French van and center.