ABSTRACT
The Dutch admiral De Ruyter appeared off Barbadoes, appa^ rently with the intention of landing; but after reconnoitring, and receiving a few shot, he abandoned the attempt: his own ship got on shore under the batteries, and received considerable damage. His fleet consisted of twelve line-of-battle ships, two fire-ships, and several small craft, and 2500 men. They had destroyed the English settlements upon the coasts of Africa on their passage out.
