Messina in Sicily had revolted; and a fleet under the duke de Vivonne was despatched to support the rebels.

The Dutch had sent a squadron to assist the Spaniards.

A battle ensued, where De Ruyter was killed.

This event alone was thought equivalent to a victory.
The French, who twelve years before had scarcely a ship of war in any of their harbors, had raised themselves, by means of perseverance and policy, to be, in their present force, though not in their resources, the first maritime power in Europe.

The Dutch, while in alliance with them against England, had supplied them with several vessels, and had taught them the rudiments of the difficult art of ship-building.