A Particular account of a terrible and bloody engagement between the English and French fleet, in the Bay of Bantry on the Irish coast with an exact list of the damage sustained, and those slain and wounded on both sides.

1689

Oxford Text Archive

A Particular Account of a Terrible and Bloody ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE English and French Fleet, IN THE BAY of BANTRY On the IRISH Coast. With an Exact List of the Damage sustained, and those Slain and Wounded on both sides.

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A Particular Account of a Terrible and Bloody ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE English and French Fleet, IN THE BAY of BANTRY On the IRISH Coast.
With an Exact List of the Damage sustained, and those Slain and Wounded on both sides.

AFter all the many False and Incoherent Relations we have lately received both of the English and French Squadrons, there being those who purposely give out their Shams, that the Reality may not be credited, we received an authentick Relation brought to the Court by Captain Elmore Commander of the Edgar, who was present in the Engagement, which is to this Effect.

That Admiral Herbert Riding with about 18 of His Majesties Men of War in Milford-Haven, having received Intelligence that the French Fleet was about Sailing from Brest, the Close of last Month weighed Anchor, and made for the French Coast. Likewise being informed that the day before a Squadron of French Ships, composing 28 Men of War, 7 Fireships, besides Vessels of Burthen, were sailed out of Brest, having some Landmen on Board, stood after them with all the Sail he could make, and the Day after got sight of them. But the Night coming on, the French, not thinking it safe for them to Engage, altered their Course from putting into King sayle, and steered to the most Westerly part of Ireland, and got into the Bay of Bantry, where they made all the Expedition they could to unship their Men, which some will have to be 3000 English, Scotch, Irish and French. And Admiral Herbert reaching the said Bay about May-day in the Morning, gave the French all the Provocations possible to come forth and Engage him; which they, notwithstanding they were almost double the Number, would not adventure to come forth. Upon which, the Courage of the English Seamen was such, That they would adventure to Fight, thô upon great Disadvantage. And thereupon the Admiral bore into the Bay with what Ships he could, which were not above Nine, and Encountred the whole Squadron of the French for about Seven hours; and never was greater Valor shewn than upon this Occasion.

The Admiral finding that it was impossible either to bring his Fleet to bear upon them, or get them out of Harbor, contented himself, at present, with the Damage he has done them, which is very Considerable, thô not as yet particularly known: And bringing off Two Ships that were somewhat disabled in the Fight, has sent them to Portsmouth to Re-fit, while he stays with the rest of the Fleet to block them in; and 'tis hoped, that so soon as he can be joined with some other Men of War, to give a very good Account of them. The Loss on our Side is only Capt. George Elmore, Brother to the Captain who brought the Account to the King, with a Lieutenant, and about 150 Seamen. And, 'tis believed, the French have lost Treble the Number, with one of their Ships sunk in the Fight. But we shall have a particular Account of this great Action in few days published at large.

Licensed, May 8. 1689.

LONDON, Printed for J. C. 1689.

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