The enemy in sight, Steel gave the order to raise the black flag, leaving no doubt as to what they were and that no quarter would be given to captured, Royal Navy sailors. It would be a fight to the death.

From this point, detail of the battle that ensued is sketchy. The captain's log from HMS Gallant at the time was official and to the point, but devoid of color.

Simple entries from Captain Lawrence Hennessy follow:

November 3 1726 - Unidentified vessel making sail for Dominica. Size and description fits that of pirate ship known as the Ruby Dagger.

November 4 1726 - Closed in on unidentified vessel. Confirmed positive identification of Ruby Dagger.

November 5 1726 - Lost sight of Ruby Dagger in bad weather.

November 7 1726 - Conducted costal search of leeward side of Dominica. No sign of Ruby Dagger.

November 8 1726 - Search for Ruby Dagger continues unsuccessfully.

November 10 1726 - Outside Souffriere Bay in SW corner of Dominica, regain sight of Ruby Dagger stationary in windward passage. Identified the vessel with black flag, knows a Jolly Roger, raised. Preparing for battle at dawn.