, close to the beach. Finding, however, that his ships drew too
much water, he sent in three fire-ships, embarking in one of them
himself. He succeeded in burning two of the three-deckers, but another
fire-ship was sunk by the enemy's shot. The _Saint Albans_ and _Ruby_
standing in, now attacked a third French ship, when Vice-Admiral
Delaval, observing that her crew had deserted their guns, boarded. On
finding dead and wounded men alone on her decks, he ordered the latter
to be removed, and then set the ship on fire.

One of the fire-ships, commanded by Captain Fowlis, who was conducting
her against the _Soleil Royal_, was set on fire by her shot, though he
and his crew escaped. Captain Heath, however, succeeded in burning her
with another fire-ship, in the most gallant manner. The _Conquirant_
was burnt by Captain Greenaway, and the _Admirable_ by the boats. The
greater number of the enemy's ships had run in for shelter close to the
shore. Accordingly, on the 23rd of May, Admiral Russell despatched
Vice-Admiral Rooke with a squadron of men-of-war, frigates, and
fire-ships, and the boats of the fleet, to destroy those ships. It was
found, however, that the small frigates alone could advance near enough
to effect anything. The boats, however, gallantly led by Rooke, pulled
in at night and destroyed seven of them, and the next morning, again
pulling in, burnt eight, with several transports and ammunition vessels.
Several of the ships were first boarded, and the French, with their own
guns, driven from their platforms and batteries on shore; and this was
done in sight of the French and Irish camps, which lay ready to invade
England. Altogether, sixteen sail of the line and numerous transports
were destroyed. The victory was complete, and the annihilation of the
French fleet entirely dissipating the hopes of James, its effect
contributed greatly to place William the Third on his throne.
Vice-Admiral Rooke, who became one of England's greatest admirals, was
knighted for his gallantry on this occasion.

While some of the ships returned to Spithead, a considerable portion
were stationed in different parts of the channel to watch the French
fleet, and to prevent them making their way either to the eastward or
westward.

Among the gallant men who have contributed to the naval glory of
England, the name of John Benbow must ever be had in remembrance. His
father, Colonel Benbow, was one of those true-hearted cavalie