Drake, Sir Francis. A distinguished English naval commander. Born in 1540. Drake circumnavigated the globe under a commission against the Spaniards, destroying many vessels and capturing immense booty in Spanish America. In 1587, Drake commanded the fleet, which destroyed over 100 ships at Cadiz, breaking up a contemplated invasion of England. Drake was made vice-admiral, and commanded in the battle in 1588, which destroyed the Spanish Armada. Died 1596.

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