While we were in this situation, one day the admiral, with most of the principal officers, and many people of all stations, being on shore, about seven o'clock in the evening we were alarmed by signals from the frigates stationed for that purpose; and in an instant there was a general cry that the French fleet was out, and just passing through the streights. - "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano", by Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa