The French had received intelligence of the design, and taken such precautions, under the conduct of the celebrated engineer Vauban, that the English were exposed to a terrible fire from new erected batteries, as well as from a strong body of troops, and though the ships cannonaded them with great vigour, the soldiers could not maintain any regularity in landing.

A good number were killed in the open boats before they reached the shore; and those who landed were soon repulsed, in spite of all the endeavours of general Ptolemache, who received a wound in the thigh, which proved mortal.

Seven hundred soldiers are said to have been lost on this occasion, besides those who were killed on board of the ships.

The Monk ship of war was towed off with great difficulty; but a Dutch frigate of thirty guns fell into the hands of the enemy.
After this unfortunate attempt, lord Berkeley, with the advice of a council of war, sailed back for England, and at St.Helen's received orders from the queen to call a council, and deliberate in what manner the ships and forces might be best employed.

They agreed to make some attempt upon the coast of Normandy.