The French were within roughly 50 to 70 miles of Toulon when Lord Keith detached three ships of the line and two frigates after them. With a favorable wind, the remaining distance might have represented only about five hours of sailing. Light winds instead prolonged the pursuit for 28 hours and forced both groups through an overnight test of seamanship. Rear Admiral Perrée tried repeatedly to shake the British, but Markham countered his maneuvers and maintained cohesion more effectively than the exhausted French squadron. By evening, Perrée's brigs had pulled miles ahead while the frigates were increasingly separated and vulnerable to defeat in detail.
Chapter · 1:32:40-1:35:29
Markham holds together a 28-hour pursuit
Weak wind stretched the chase overnight, while Markham anticipated French evasive moves and kept his heavier squadron together.