On 25 November 1796, Captain R. Barton and HMS Lapwing were at St Kitts when an express boat brought the news that a French force consisting of two warships, several smaller ships, and 400 troops, were threatening Anguilla.

[3] Décius was armed with twenty-four 6-pounder guns, two 12-pounder carronades, and two field pieces.

She had a crew of 133 men, and was carrying 203 troops, all under the command of Citizen Andrée Senis.

[3] Vaillante was armed with four 24-pounder guns, had a crew of 45 men, and was carrying 90 troops, all under the command of Citizen Laboutique.

[3] Half an hour after Décius struck, Vaillante ran aground at St Martin's, where fire from Lapwing destroyed her.