The new government, however, promoted him to the command of the Royal Katherine, of 82 guns; in which he had a share in the battle off Beachy Head. In the following year, he commanded a squadron of fourteen ships; when he confirmed the peace with, the Barbary States, and brought home in safety the Smyrna fleet. After this, he had a share, under Admiral Russell, in the most glorious sea-fight in the whole reign, one which totally annihilated all the hopes entertained by the French of making an attack upon England. This was the battle off Cape La Hogue, in which he greatly distinguished himself. He was rewarded, by being promoted to be rear-admiral of the red, and hoisted his flag on board the Sovereign, of 100 guns.
The following year he went out, under Admiral Russell, with the fleet to the Mediterranean, as vice-admiral of the blue; and, as Admiral Russell fell sick at Alicant, the chief command devolved upon him. They had, however, done their business too effectually at Cape La Hogue, to have any hope of the enemy coming out to meet them at sea. He was afterwards employed in blockading the enemy in the channel; and, in the end of 1698, was sent out as commander-in-chief of the squadron in the Mediterranean. In this capacity he visited Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli; at all these places hie was most honourably treated, and was successful in his negotiations. In 1699 he retired from active service; and, in the greater part of Queen Anne's reign, represented in parliament the borough of Dover. In 1701 he was made governor of Deal Castle; on the 12th of November, 1709, on the death of Prince George of Denmark, he was raised to be admiral andcommander-in-chief of the fleet. He held the same rank under George I. and in 1716 he had the honour to bring his majesty back from Holland. In reward of his long and faithful services to his country, he was, in 1718, created Baron Aylmer of the kingdom of Ireland; and, in
