A French frigate division, departing Brest, met two British 74-gun ships of the line.

Frigates served as reconnaissance screens for the squadrons, but between major movements, they would often cruise independently to engage in commerce raiding.

It comprised the 32-gun frigates Fine, under Tanouarn, and Minerve, under Grimouard, as well as the lighter 26-gun Diligente and Aigrette.

[1] In the morning of 4, in heavy weather,[2] the division detected the British 74-gun HMS Valiant and Courageux, under Mulgrave, and the frigate tried to escape.

[1] Courageux had sustained serious damage to her rigging, and had change her bowsprit, foremast and mizzen to repair.