Men aboard USS "Kearsarge" spotted the incoming Confederate raider, so they turned their ship around to take the impending battle out of French territorial waters. Once out, "Kearsarge" turned about again, hoisted the United States Navy Jack, and lined up for a broadside. Captain Winslow ordered his gunners to hold their fire until the range closed. CSS "Alabama" fired the first shots. They are not known to have hit. Eventually "Kearsarge" was under way, and the range closed to within when she fired her first shot. The two warships maneuvered on opposite courses throughout the battle. "Kearsarge" and "Alabama" made seven spiraling circles around each other, moving southwest in a current. Both Captain Semmes and Captain Winslow attempted to cross each other's bow, hoping to inflict heavy raking fire. The battle continued in this manner for several minutes; in the meantime, on the French coast, hundreds watched the battle. "Kearsarge"s armor cladding sustained two hits during the engagement.