e Red; Mr Aylmer, Vice-Admiral of
the Blue, with two Dutch squadrons under two rear-admirals.

As soon as the fleet was collected, they set sail for the coast of
France, arriving shortly afterwards off Dunkirk. It was here that the
celebrated French Admiral, Jean Bart, held the command of a French
fleet. As the English fleet passed Calais, three or four hundred
vessels of all sorts were seen with their sails bent ready for sea. As
soon as the French saw the English fleet approaching Dunkirk, several of
their men-of-war ran close up to the pier. Hopes were now entertained
by the English crews that some fighting would take place. Sir
Cloudesley Shovel, with several captains, stood in towards Dunkirk, to
see if there was any possibility of burning the fleet. This, however,
was declared to be impracticable, and Admiral Russell therefore sailed
back to Dover, leaving a squadron under Sir Cloudesley Shovel, to watch
the movements of the enemy. A short time after this, Sir Cloudesley
Shovel, who had returned to the Downs, was ordered to take with him the
bomb-vessels, and such small ships as he should think necessary; and
attempt the burning of Calais with the transports, and other ships in
that harbour.

Calais was soon in sight. The English could see the harbour crowded
with vessels, which as they approached, however, ran close up under
their batteries where the ships could not get at them. The wind was off
shore, which gave them smooth water; and the squadron, in gallant style,
beat up as near to the town as the water would allow. They now
anchored, their men-of-war protecting the bomb-vessels, which instantly
commenced throwing shells into the place. It was a fine sight to see
them, like vast rockets, rising in the air and curling over, until they
fell into the devoted town.

For several hours the fiery shower continued. Now flames were seen to
burst out in one part of the town, now in another; and now the vessels
in the harbour caught fire; several in succession exploded. As each of
the enemy's vessels blew up, the English crews burst forth with loud
cheers, and redoubled their efforts. The enemy were not idle, but the
English ships were so placed that not many of the French shot did
damage. The shipping in the harbour suffered most, as the chief aim of
the English was to destroy them, and a large number of privateers were
blown up or burned. A strong wind was blowing when the action began,
and it conti