During the American War of Independence, France allied herself with the American Colonies and entered the struggle against England. On 6 October 1779, the frigate Quebec, 32 guns, was attacked by the French frigate Surveillante, 32 guns, off Ushant at the mouth of the English Channel. Surveillante, having the greater range, opened fire first although Captain Farmer aboard Quebec held his fire until his opponent was within point-blank range. At the end of an astonishingly close action lasting 3½ hours, both ships were dismasted and lay like complete wrecks wallowing in the swell. Whereas Surveillante's spars and sails had fallen overboard however, Quebec's fell across the waits of the ship and were set alight by the guns. The fire spread rapidly until, at about six in the evening, Quebec blew up killing Captain Farmers and most of his crew.