[321] The privateers of Dunkirk had long been celebrated; and among them, John Bart, humbly born, and scarcely able to sign his name, but eminently brave and active, had attained an undisputed preeminence.

In the country of Anson and Hawke, of Howe and Rodney, of Duncan, Saint Vincent and Nelson, the name of the most daring and skilful corsair would have little chance of being remembered.

But France, among whose many unquestioned titles to glory very few are derived from naval war, still ranks Bart among her great men.

In the autumn of 1692 this enterprising freebooter was the terror of all the English and Dutch merchants who traded with the Baltic.

He took and destroyed vessels close to the eastern coast of our island.