After an inconclusive encounter in which both sides suffered damage, De Grasse soon realized that the main British fleet would soon be upon them and broke off the engagement to return to protect the merchant convoy.
The main British fleet would soon be upon them. De Grasse soon realized this. This was after an inconclusive encounter in which both sides suffered damage. De Grasse soon broke off the engagement to return to protect the merchant convoy. This was after an inconclusive encounter in which both sides suffered damage.