They claimed, however, the support of the latter in virtue of a defensive treaty made in 1662.

Louis allowed the claim, but unwillingly; and the still young navy of France gave practically no help.
The war between the two sea States was wholly maritime, and had the general characteristics of all such wars.

Three great battles were fought,--the first off Lowestoft, on the Norfolk coast, June 13, 1665; the second, known as the Four Days' Battle in the Straits of Dover, often spoken of by French writers as that of the Pas de Calais, lasting from the 11th to the 14th of June, 1666; and the third, off the North Foreland, August 4 of the same year.

In the first and last of these the English had a decided success; in the second the advantage remained with the Dutch.

This one only will be described at length, because of it alone has been found such a full, coherent account as will allow a clear and accurate tactical narrative to be given.