Page:The reign of George VI - 1763.djvu/51

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OF GEORGE VI.
25

ral's ship, was disabled by three Russian men of war, each of 80 guns. About six the Duke shifted his flag to the Blenheim, and in half an hour after the Royal George sunk. The Russian Admiral shifted his flag three times before the morning; for the battle lasted all night with the utmost fury. Sir Charles Montague was killed in the beginning of the engagement; and at last the Duke himself was wounded, and carried under deck; Philips continued the action with the greatest bravery, and conduct and had it pleased God that the wind had been less violent, he would, in all probability, have been the conqueror; but the storm increasing, the two fleets were obliged to separate. The Russians loss was very considerable, their Vice Admiral was killed, they had three ships taken, one sunk, and two blown up; with about 7000 men killed and wounded. The loss of the English was muchless