In 1747, he accomplishes his greatest feat at the Battle of Cape Finisterre along the Spanish coast of Galicia. In charge of escorting a merchant convoy to the West Indies with eight ships, he is attacked on 25 October by 14 British ships of Admiral Edward Hawke, and sustained more than seven hours of fierce combat. Six French vessels were captured, but the convoy was almost totally saved. He also manages to avoid being captured when his ship, "Le Tonnant" with (80 cannons) is partially dismantled. His second in command, marquis de Vaudreuil, on the "Intrépide" (74 cannon vessel), turns around and traverses British lines, and tows the ship back to Brest during the night. He terminates his career as chef d'escadre.