Blake commanded, and Dean under him, together with Monk, who had been sent for from Scotland.

When the English lay off Portland, they descried, near break of day, a Dutch fleet of seventy-six vessels, sailing up the Channel, along with a convoy of three hundred merchantmen, who had received orders, to wait at the Isle of Rhe, till the fleet should arrive to escort them.

Tromp, and under him De Ruiter, commanded the Dutch.

This battle was the most furious that had yet been fought between these warlike and rival nations.

Three days was the combat continued with the utmost rage and obstinacy; and Blake, who was victor, gained not more honor than Tromp, who was vanquished.