Then were the days of the great French privateers, Jean Bart, Forbin, Duguay-Trouin, Du Casse, and others.

The regular fleets of the French navy were practically withdrawn from the ocean during the great War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1712).

The French naval historian says:-- "Unable to renew the naval armaments, Louis XIV.

increased the number of cruisers upon the more frequented seas, especially the Channel and the German Ocean [not far from home, it will be noticed].

In these different spots the cruisers were always in a position to intercept or hinder the movements of transports laden with troops, and of the numerous convoys carrying supplies of all kinds.