The honour of the enterprise was in a great measure owing to the gallantry of sir John Norris and the English seamen.

That brave officer, embarking in boats with six hundred sailors and marines, entered the river, and were rowed within musket shot of the enemy's works, where they made such a vigorous and unexpected attack, that the French were immediately driven from that part of their in-trenchments; then sir John landed with his men, clambered over the works that were deemed inaccessible, and attacking the defendants sword in hand, compelled them to fly with the utmost precipitation.

This detachment was sustained by sir Cloudesly Shovel in person.

The duke of Savoy, taking advantage of the enemy's consternation, passed the river almost without opposition.] [Footnote 150: Note 2C, p.149.In the month of May, three ships of the line, namely, the Royal Oak, of seventy-six guns, commanded by commodore baron Wyldo; the Grafton, of seventy guns, captain Edward Acton; and the Hampton-Court, of seventy guns, captain George Clements, sailed as convoy to the West India and Portugal fleet of merchant-ships, amounting to five-and-forty sail.

They fell in with the Dunkirk squadron, consisting of ten ships of war, one frigate, and four privateers, under the command of M.de Forbin.