 The raising of the British flags on "Alexander" and "Canada" was a clear indicator to Nielly that the British were aware of his identity, and he instead ordered his squadron to hoist the French tricolour, finally abandoning the ruse that his ships were British.During the preceding three hours, the division of the French squadron in pursuit of "Alexander" had steadily closed the gap between the ships, "Alexander" responding by firing stern-chasers at the pursuers.The French ships responded by firing their bow-chasers at the British vessel.