On 28 December 1669,[1] as the Mary Rose, a third-rate, carrying forty-eight guns, with a crew of 230 men, commanded by Captain John Kempthorn, was convoying a fleet of merchant ships through the Straits of Gibraltar, seven large Algerine corsairs, full of men, stood towards her.

[2] Captain Kempthorn ordered the convoy to make sail, while he, single-handed, advanced to engage the foe.

[2] The fighting continued into the following day,[1] as the Algerines attacked the Mary Rose with much fury, and boarded her; but were beaten off with considerable loss.

[2][a] The convoy reached Cádiz in safety.

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