The late history of Europe being a narration of all remarkable actions and other various affairs, both civil and military, that have happened in the several kingdoms and republicks : from the Treaty at Nimiguen in anno 1676 to the conclusion of the late peace at Res-Wick in September 1697 : which makes up a history of one and twenty years : accuratly and succinctly abridg'd / by Captain David Kennendy.

SECT. 1,

[Sect. 1] This year begins with the sad dis∣aster befell our Fleet in the Medtterrancam, where by a violent storm (on the 18. and 19 of February) Sir Francis Wheellers ship was Founched, himself and all his Men lost;* 1.1 And besides this, 9 English ships, and 3. Dutch, all of good value, were driven a shore on the Est side of Gibraltar, and most of the Men were drowned; but Admiral Neville, and the rest of the Fleet, happily escaped.

* 1.2The Parliament having ordered all things accor∣ding to the Kings mind by the midle of April, he gave them hearty thanks for their kindness to him this Session, and so Prorogued them to the 18. of Sep∣tember, and soon after he went for Flanders.

Admiral Russ••l was early at Sea with our Fleet, which was now in very good condition, using all means to draw the French to a Fight, which they as carefuly avoided, and raither than put it to that hazard (being Conscious of their own weaknes) they chuse makeing a stop into the Mediterranean, whither Admiral Russ••l followes them, but before he went, he sent off Captain Pickard, with 2 Men of War and one Fireship, to attack a Fleet of 55. Sail of French Merchant Men, lying then in Bertraume Bay, which Pickard performed effectually, for he burnt and sunk 35 of the 55 Merchants, and run the Man of War (there Convoy) among Rocks, and soon after she blew up.

* 1.3Here followes in course, the unfortunate attempt made on Brest by the Lord Berkley Admiral of the blew Squadron, with 29, Men of War, besides smal Fi••gats, Fireships, Well-boats, Bomb vessels &c. having with him also a considerable number of Land forces, under the Command of the resolute Leivtenant General Talmash,

A Narrative of this unsuccesful Expedition is fully given by the Marquis of Carmarthen,* 1.4 there present to which I refere the reader, having no stomach to make a relation of such an unhappy adventure. In short, besides the damage done to the Ships, there were lost four hundred belonging to the Ships, and of the Land Forces, seven hundred were killed wounded, and taken, besides the brave Talmash, killed there.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Sir Francis Wheeler ship wrackt.
• * 1.2

  Parlia∣ment pro∣rogued to the 18th of Septem∣ber,
• * 1.3

  The Lord Berk••eys attempt on Bres••.
• * 1.4

  Unsuccess∣ful.