George III.

went to see him on board his vessel.

"I wish your Majesty younger seamen and better ships," said the old sailor, and he insisted on resigning.

This was the only action fought by the Dutch during the war; they left to Admiral de Kersaint the job of recovering from the English their colonies of Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice, on the coasts of Guiana.
A small Franco-Spanish army was at the same time besieging Minorca.
The fleet was considerable, the English were ill-prepared; they were soon obliged to shut themselves up in Fort St.Philip.

The ramparts were as solid, the position was as impregnable, as in the time of Marshal Richelieu.