The attack, although spirited at its commencement, was doomed to be unsuccessful.

A co-operation, agreed upon by the fleet from Antwerp, failed through a misunderstanding.

Sainte Aldegonde had stationed certain members of the munition-chamber in the cathedral tower, with orders to discharge three rockets, when they should perceive a beacon-fire which he should light in Fort Tholouse.

The watchmen mistook an accidental camp-fire in the neighbourhood for the preconcerted signal, and sent up the rockets.

Hohenlo understanding, accordingly, that the expedition was on the point of starting from Antwerp, hastened to perform his portion of the work, and sailed up from Lillo.