Brest was blockaded.

A squadron of Mediterranean galleys coming to its relief anchored in the shallow water off Conquet.

Howard determined to cut them out; he grappled and boarded their admiral's galley.

The grappling was cut away, his boat swept out in the tide, and Howard, left unsupported, was thrust overboard by the Frenchmen's pikes.[129] His death was regarded as a national disaster, but he had retrieved England's reputation for foolhardy valour.
[Footnote 127: _L.

and P._, i., 3809, 3820.] [Footnote 128: _Ib._, i., 3977.] [Footnote 129: _Ib._, i., 4005; see also _The War of 1512-13_ (Navy Records Society) where the documents are printed in full.] Meanwhile, Henry's army was gathering at Calais.[130] On 30th (p.