Tourville was the ablest maritime commander that his country then possessed.

He had studied every part of his profession.

It was said of him that he was competent to fill any place on shipboard from that of carpenter up to that of admiral.

It was said of him, also, that to the dauntless courage of a seaman he united the suavity and urbanity of an accomplished gentleman, [665] He now stood over to the English shore, and approached it so near that his ships could be plainly descried from the ramparts of Plymouth.
From Plymouth he proceeded slowly along the coast of Devonshire and Dorsetshire.

There was great reason to apprehend that his movements had been concerted with the English malecontents, [666] The Queen and her Council hastened to take measures for the defence of the country against both foreign and domestic enemies.