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under weigh, in order to capture the brig and xebec, which, in fact, so far from assisting, were only an hindrance to the Naiad. It is well known, that vessels of low con­ struction, light guns, and with few hands on board, are not altogether the fittest ships to combat a Barbarian man of war which always carries such immense numbers of men. Bille seeing the danger his companions were exposed to from the crouded decks of the Barbarian, was obliged to give up a certain triumph to save them, and although one of the enemy’s ships which he engaged was about to strike, hastened to relieve his friends. A lucky shot, however, from the Naiad, carrying away the Vice Admiral’s bowsprit, crowded with men ready for boarding the brig, assistance became unnecessary. Meanwhile Bille kept up a run­ ning fight with the other ships, which were all under weigh, but seeing the fate of their Vice Admiral, prudently declined further pursuit. Evening coming on, Bille was unable to re­ sume the conflict, and reluctantly quitted the harbour; having, by this action, confirmed

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