seven in the morning
There seemed no longer a possibility of a general action being avoided . The signal was made , ordering the British ships to their stations , and a close line ahead was formed on the starboard tack , the enemy being on the larboard . Rear-Admiral Drake , in the _ Princessa _ , 70 guns , commanded the Blue Division ; the van , which was led by the noble _ Marlborough _ , followed closely by the _ Arrogant _ , _ Conqueror _ , _ Fame _ , _ Russell _ , _ Norwich _ , and other ships , which , with their brave Captains , were destined to become famous in story . At half-past seven in the morning , Rear-Admiral Drake 's division , which led , got within range of the long-sought-for enemy , and soon from van to rear the British ships were sending forth their terrific broadsides . The French replied boldly ; and now the two hostile fleets were wrapped in flames and smoke , while round-shot and missiles of all descriptions were passing between one and the other . Both appeared to be suffering alike , and many a brave seaman was laid low . The _ Fame _ had got early into action , and gallantly taken up her position opposite an opponent worthy of her .