Believing that the Xiongnu were a possible threat Warning , the emperor launched a preemptive strike Attack against the Xiongnu with the intention to expand Expansion his empire .

Believing himself outgunned Hostile_encounter , Captain Jean-Daniel Coudin surrendered Surrendering , only discovering Know his assailant 's true identity when he came Arriving aboard .

Believing Coming_to_believe that the French Navy would not be capable of organised resistance at sea during the winter , the First Lord of the Admiralty Lord Barham withdrew Escaping the British blockade squadrons to harbour .