a few minutes before 10 a.m.
`` Now , Paddy , we shall see what a real fight is like , '' said Tom Pim , as we stood on the quarter-deck . `` I hope we shall see what a victory is like , too , '' I answered , as I eyed the approaching enemy , numbering fifteen ships , to oppose which we had but eight . Sir Samuel Hood , however , knew what he was about , and the order was given to heave to , which brought our broadsides to bear upon the French , and at the same time would allow the other two frigates to come up with us as soon as they could get the wind . The first shot was fired from the _ Barfleur _ a few minutes before 10 a.m. , and then all our eight stout ships began blazing away at the French , as they stood down intending to break our line ; but so tremendous was the fire with which they were received , that they found the attempt hopeless . They , however , returned it vigorously , and for a full hour we were pounding away at each other , not a few of our brave fellows being killed , and many more wounded . Towards the end of the time , as the smoke cleared away , I saw the rest of our fleet coming up with the breeze , which had at length reached them . The French admiral also saw them , and , having had a taste of how eight ships could treat him , he stood away under all sail after the remainder of his fleet .