9 a.m.
The frigates , the _ Ruby _ among them , and the smaller vessels brought up the rear . Exactly at twelve minutes past 8 a.m. , Lord Howe made the looked-for signal for the fleet to fill and bear down on the enemy ; then came one for each ship to steer for and independently engage the ship opposed to her in the enemy 's line . The British line was to windward , and Lord Howe wished that each ship should cut through the enemy 's line astern of her proper opponent , and engage her to leeward . Soon after 9 a.m. the French ships opened their fire on the advancing British line , which was warmly returned . The gallant old English Admiral set an example of bravery by steering for the stern of the largest French ship , the _ Montague _ , and passed between her and the _ Jacobin _ , almost running aboard the latter . So energetically did the men labour at their guns , and so tremendous was the fire that they poured into both their opponents , that in less than an hour the _ Montague _ had her stern-frame and starboard quarter shattered to pieces , and a hundred killed and two hundred wounded . In this condition she was still able to make sail , which she did , as did also the _ Jacobin _ , the _ Queen Charlotte _ being too much disabled in her masts and rigging to follow .