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Source of bracketed text in the next direct paragraph below: http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/Naval_History/Vol_I/P_060.html

[The French ships, mistaking, probably, Lord Howe's fleet for a merchant-convoy, bore down until their hulls were distinctly seen from the decks of the British ships. By signal from the commander-in-chief, the Russel, Audacious, Defence, Bellerophon, and Ganges, as the most advanced line-of-battle ships, went in chase. The French squadron had by this time hove to; but, perceiving that they were pursued by a superior force, the ships now filled, and made sail to get off, carrying, in a very fresh wind from south by east, accompanied by a heavy sea, whole topsails, with topgallantsails occasionally; while double-reeefed topsails, with topgallantsails upon them, were all the sail which the British ships would bear. The Russel soon sprang her foretopmast; and at 11 a.m. the Defence, the weathermost line-of-battle ship, carried away her fore and main topmasts. The frigates were now ordered, by signal, to keep sight of the enemy and lead the fleet.]

If the outnumbered French squadron involved was defeated and destroyed or captured, what would be the consequences? The p.o.d. is still before the siege of Toulon was ended by Napoleon and so are the immediate effects. Would the port be liberated faster than reality and would this mean less French ships destroyed or captured? Or would butterflies keep the port [or more of the French Fleet] away from French service?

If there're no consequences on Toulon or the Spanish and Royal Navy in the Mediterranean take a more active part there, what would be the consequences? Especially on 1 June 1794 and the Atlantic Campaign the previous month.
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