A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF A GREAT ENGAGEMENT Which happened between the English Squadron, under the Command of Vice-Admiral HERBERT, and the whole French Fleet, near the Coast of Ireland, on the First of May, 1689.  
With Allowance.  
HIS Majesty's Naval Forces having taken the Seas, under the Command of Vice-Admiral Herbert; In order to Curb the Insults of the French, and to hinder their Attempts upon the Kingdom of Ireland, etc. After several Successful Erterprises, and suppressing the French-Capers and Privateers, rescuing several Prizes they had taken, and were carrying into their Harbours, Braving the Naval Forces of the Frenchking, with a small number of Ships in his chief Harbour, etc. And resolute to prosecute the Glorious War against the Disturbers of Christendom; the English understanding the French were gotten to Sea under the favour of the Night, and contrary Winds that hindered ours for standing in or bearing up with them, and mistrusting they made for Ireland, they stood to that Coast to prevent their landing any Forces to Distress the Protestants: On the First of May Instant, the English got sight of them lying in the Bay of Bantree in the West of Ireland, near the County of Kerry, and Resolving forthwith to enter the Bay and attack them, the Wind unluckily Chopped about, and blew hard at West Northwest, so that we could not but with abundance of Difficulty turn into the Bay.  
But resolving by any means to get in to them, with Nine of our Ships, the Admiral himself leading them, they advance; which the French perceiving, with full Sail before the Wind, they make up and meet us: The French Fleet consisted of Twenty Nine Sail of Men of War, besides Tenders; Ours but Nineteen in the whole, whereof Five only could fully come up to Engage. Our Admiral had immediately Seven of their best Ships upon his Quarter, and the French Admiral lying on the other Broadside of him, but notwithstanding the Inequality, our brave Admiral never stirred off the Quarter Deck, Encouraging his Men both by his Orders and Example; the rest of our Ships that could come up Charging them Board to Board, discharging their Broadsides, Grappling, and courageously Fight on the Decks, thundering in their Volleys of Small Shot, Killing their Men in great numbers, and renting their Ships, Masts, and Rigging, thereby very much disabling them, continuing resolutely Engaged till Night parted them. And although the English, much inferior in Number, and wanting the Weather-gage which greatly hindered them, did not gain the Advantage they otherwise might undoubtedly have had; yet nothing was wanting that might testify their continued Gallantry and Bravary, and to show the French that they are not to dispute with them the Sovereignty of the Ocean. As to particulars of the Loss on either side we are wanting, however it is reported on all hands the English have not lost one Vessel; yet under the favour of the Engagement, the French having Landed a few Men retreated, despairing (notwithstanding the advantage of their Number) of any answerable Success: Though our Admiral resolves to stick close to them, and in a little time we doubt not (under God) to make good the Justice of our Cause, and pull down the Pride of that Antichristian Monarch, who has so long disturbed the Peace of the whole Christian World.   

LONDON, Printed by W. Davis. 2689.