One of the senior captains was detached with a division against some escaping ships of the enemy.

His report to the admiral ran thus: "SIR,--We have taken or destroyed all the Spanish ships upon this coast, the number as per margin.

Respectfully, etc., G.Walton." One English writer makes, and another indorses, the uncalled-for but characteristic fling at the French, that the ships thus thrust into the margin would have filled some pages of a French narration.[81] It may be granted that the so-called "battle" of Cape Passaro did not merit a long description, and Captain Walton possibly felt so; but if all reports of naval transactions were modelled upon his, the writing of naval history would not depend on official papers.
Thus the Spanish navy was struck down on the 11th of August, 1718, off Cape Passaro.

This settled the fate of Sicily, if it had been doubtful before.

The English fleet cruised round the island, supporting the Austrians and isolating the Spaniards, none of whom were permitted to withdraw before peace was made.