Original sentence: In August 1789, he left St.Regardless, the British commander asked if she had struck her colors.Serapis twice raked Bonhomme Richard with broadsides which cut her mainmast and holed her below the waterline, taking individual hits in return.The 44 gun British frigate HMS Serapis and the 22 gun Countess of Scarborough counter-engaged,  scattering the attacking squadron and allowing the merchants to disengage and attempt escape.Vengeance and Le Cerf unsuccessfully pursued the convoy.With Bonhomme Richard burning and sinking, it is believed her ensign was shot away
Edited sentence: In August 1789 he left St.Serapis twice raked Bonhomme Richard with broadsides which cut her mainmast and holed her below the waterline taking, individual hits in return.The 44 gun British frigate HMS Serapis and the 22 gun Countess of Scarborough counter engaged scattered the attacking squadron allowing the merchants to disengage and attempt escape.The British commander asked if she had struck her colors.Vengeance and Le Cerf unsuccessfully pursued the convoy which ultimately escaped.With Bonhomme Richard burning and sinking, her ensign was shot away