broadside would have brought Champlain's ramshackle fort
tumbling about his ears. His bold front, however, served
its purpose for the time being; Kirke decided to postpone
the attack on Quebec and to turn his attention to
Roquemont's fleet. He burned the captured vessels and
plundered and destroyed the trading-post at Tadoussac,
and then sailed seaward in search of the rich prize.

Kirke had three ships; the French had eighteen. Numerically
Kirke was outclassed, but he knew that the enemy's fleet
was composed chiefly of small, weakly armed vessels.
Learning that Roquemont was in the vicinity of Gaspe Bay,
he steered thither under a favouring west wind. And as
the Abigail rounded Gaspe Point the English captain saw
the waters in the distance thickly dotted with sail. Dare
he attack? Three to eighteen! It was hazarding much; and
yet victory would bring its reward. Kirke was a cautious
commander; and, desiring if possible to gain his end
without loss, he summoned the French captain to surrender.
In answer Roquemont boldly hoisted sail and beat out into
the open. But despite this defiant attitude Roquemont
must have feared the result of a battle. Many of his
ships could give no assistance; even his largest were in
no condition to fight. Most of the cannon were in the
holds of the transports, and only a few of small calibre
were mounted. His vessels, too, overloaded with supplies,
would be difficult to manoeuvre in the light summer wind
of which his foe now had the advantage. The three English
privateers bore on towards the French merchantmen, and
when within range opened fire. Far several hours this