for his Majesties service came into the Road who reported that the rest of their Fleet would be downe soone after them The next morning before noone a Spanish Commander came with a Letter from the Lord Warden to desire our Admirall to send some Ships into Dover Road to secure one of the Spanish Galeons that had bin run a-shore between Dover Castle and the Peere neare unto Dover Iust at that instant we described the Hollanders fleet comming about the South foreland but the Admirall had no Colours abroad they came all unto Anchor right thwart of Kings-downe the Admirall came headmost and saluted us and so did all his Fleet one after another But we did not answer him one Piece of Ordnance when we deseryed them a Councell was called and Order given that all our Ships should be presently made ready to set sayle Also it was Ordered that Captain Rich. Fielding Capt. Cartwright and my selfe should goe to the â—ollands Admirall to inquire what his Intention was that hee did returne againe into his Majesties Road unto whom he had given so high an affront But the wind blowing so hard and the tyde against us wee could not get abord of him that night At day light the wind not so boysterous but continuing still westerly wee got abord of them and demanded of Admirall Tromp his intention as abovesaid who answered that hee had no other Intent for his comming in there but to Repaire some defects that his Fleet had sustained in the fight with the Spanyards as to fish some of their Masts and yards that were shot and also to stop some shot-holes between wind and water Then we demanded of him what hurt he had sustained in the fight and what damage he had done to his Enemies He answered praised be God he had received no great damage amongst his Fleet and that hee had taken 9. or 10. Sayle of the Spanish Galeons and hoped of more taken by some ships of his and had fired the Portugals Admirall as is formerly mentioned and how that Don Lopus de Ossa the Commander of that ship and his Company did shew themselves brave Soldiers for her lower Ordnance continued playing vpon them when the fire was at their Top-masts head also he said that they saved of the Spanyards that lept overbord nere 70 men who did certify him that Don Lopus albeit he was a man of above 70 years of age and had his arme shot of in the begining of the fight yet hee continued above vpon the upper deek Incouraging of his men to fight it out unto the last vntill the fire seazed vpon him whose death he did much lament Also he said that the prime Admirall Don Anthony do Oquendo never Cut his Mainsayle nor let fall his Sprit sayle but continued by his consort Don Lopus so long as he could succor him but when he see him fired and past hopes of Reliefe he made all the Saile that he could and with the Admirall of Donkerke divers other ships of his fleet he ran away to the westwards Before midnight the wind Westered so that so farre as they were a head of the Hollanders so much they were to windwards of them yet the Hollanders plyed too and fro all the night expecting that on the morrow by shift of wind they might recover them But in the Morning not one of them were in sight so that he thought that they had got Donkirk But said hee I hope ere long to Burne both him and all his Fleet as they ride in the Road under the Splinter Amongst other discourse with him I did Inquire for my Friend Captaine Forran a French Captaine formerly mentioned and how he had behaved himselfe in the fight he answered me that he was a stout man of Warre and said that if so be that all his Captains had bin such as he was they might have done more then they did But hee imployed him about a businesse of Consequence otherwayes he had been in the Road. Which was as J was afterward informed to take the Spanish Galeon that rode in Dover Road. The which Service he performed for the next day there came Complaints unto our Admirall that she was taken out of the Road in the night and carried away which was impossible for us to prevent For the Hollands Fleet did ride in the mid-way betweene the Spanyard and our Fleet. After which hee demanded of vs what was the state of all the Spanyards that were run ashore vpon the strand we answered that the greatest part of them were Sunke and splitt so that they would come to the Country People according as he had destined them at his first Coming hither and that the hamborgers and Lubikers had possession of ther ships discharged their Souldiers and for the rest they were sould and possest by English men which was Related by his Order before all his Captains that were abord with him which were at least 20 or 30 of them vpon which bee said that hee was glad that the English had so much Benefit by them and also that thereby hee was free from being Ingaged to fetch them from the shore and from amongst our fleet as some of his other Captaines had made a motion to have him doe for saith he I might thereby have given his Majestie and the whole Fleet of England more distast then with all that he had formerly done the which he would be very loath to doe But if so be that the English had not had possession of them By the Instigation of the rest of his Fleet he must have bin forced to put it to a hazard To which we answered that our strength was now increast and we did expect more before many houres so that hee would find it a worse bought then all which proved accordingly for before Night there came into the Downes foure of his Majesties Ships of the second Rank and one of the third Ranke and Six of the best straights Merchants Ships that were in the River of Thames The wind after-noone at N. N.W. After our comming abord to Sir John and relating what we had heard and sayd hee sent Captain Slinsby and my selfe ashore unto the Spanish Vice-Admirall Don Andrewes de Castro To certifie him of all what wee had heard from the Hollanders and how that wee had Informed them that all his Ships that were a-sloat were in the posfession of the English By which meanes wee had diverted them from their Resolutions which was to have come and taken them all away with them which would have cost him a Bloody nose at least Also we certified him that our Admirall was sorry to heare of the base Cariage of the Country people towards him and his Men the which was come to his Majesties knowledge for the Earle of Northumberland bâ—d Intimated so much in a Packet to our Admirall and that his Majesty would have him to take care that they should not suffer any wrong by any of his Subjects The which
according to their natures The Spanyards braggaâ—oissioâ— out of their pride slighted the fight and said that the Dunkirkers did not behave themselves as they ought to have done and wished that they had bin there and then they would have beaten those Pitchellinggos out of the Sea or have sunke them all and did alwaies afterwards slight the Dunkirkers and gave them no respect at all and did take out of their Ships the choysest of their Gunners and most of their best men to manage their Ordnance and to man their Spanish ships and plac't in their stead abord of the Durkirkers very Scoundrels The which was taken very much to heart by the Dunkirkers The Dunkirkers resolutionâ— insomuch that they made as it were a Combination between themselves that when they return'd if that they did meet with the Hollanders of the which they made no question they would make tryall what the Spanyards would doe for they were to fight by Squadrons the Admirall of the Spanyards his squadron first to begin and the rest according to instructions And the resolution of the Dunkirks squadron was that they would not shoot one shot at the Hollanders nor give the Spanyard any succour except they did perceive that some of their Admirals were in danger to bee taken by the Hollander and then they would doe their best to secure them the which they likewise performed when the fight was as hereafter I shall make mention This Information I received from Mr. T. Williams of Dover and divers others that brought ammunition and victuals unto the Groyne out of the wester and southern Islands and likewise from the mayne of Spaine and Portugall for that Fleet which was making ready it seemes untill towards the later end of August 1639. For on the 5. of September following 5. Of Septemb. the Hollanders first met with the Spanyards against Arundest Admirall Trump with 7 sayle of Ships and Frigots wayting for this Fleet which was a far greater number then hee did expect consisting of 66. sayle of Ships the most part of them great Gallions and Flemish ships that they had bought hyred and taken from the Dutch all well fitted with Ordnance and ammunition and 10. thousand Land men besides the Sea-men and Soldiers belonging unto their ships These Ships were commanded by Don Antonio de Oquendo principall Admirall whose ship had 66 Pieces of great Ordnance and his Vice-admirall was Don Andrews de Castrewd a ship with 56 Pieces of Ordnance and the Admirall of Portugall his name was Don Lopez de Ossad a ship of 70 Pieces of Ordnance the 2 Admirals being brave old Men. There was also the Admirall of Sivell and the Admirall of Naples and the Admirall of Dunkirk with their Vice and Rere-admirals but for their names and the strength of their Ships I was not so inquisitive as to give you any Relation thereof Presently after day light this present day aforesaid the wind being at N. N W. this Fleet being to the Eastward of Wight The Fight began at 9 in the morning the 5. of September 1639. thwart of Arundell The Hollander discryed them being right to Leeward off them upon which Admirall Trump called a short Councell and incouraged all his Fleet now to behave themselves like Men and then with Gods assistance he doubted not but they should doe their Country good service and gain themselves honour the which all resolved with heart and hand to performe and having the Larbord-tacks aboard held it up close upon a wind and as they came neate unto them they payed a little roome to get from amongst them and likewise to try how their Ships did sayle by the Spanyards and perceiving that they went better then the most part of their Enemies they laskt it away with a fathom of the sheat to the Eastward and the Spanesh Admirall and some other that were the best saylers gave them chase and the rest of the Fleet followed the Hollanders perceiving that they had got the Admirall and a part of the Fleet from the rest shortned sayles and about 9. of the clock in the morning the Fight began the Hollanders still as it were flying from them but Birtht themselves so having a faire gale of wind that in following each other they were but two Ships length a sunder and when they looft up to give their broad sides one was cleere of the other But the first broad side that one of the foremost ships of the Hollanders gave by what accident no man knoweth the Ship blew up all to pieces but some of their men were taken up by the spanyards which accident was much lamented by the Hollanders for the losse of the Ship and Men and likewise for the want of her force being a good Ship of 36 Pieces of Ordnance Likewise after this another mischanee hapned aboard their Vice-admirall De White he having a barrell of Powder in his Round-house to fill Cartridges which by negligence was fired and blew up the Round house whereon the Drummer was beating his Drum who was likewise taken up by the spanyards the fire was presently quenched and not much disheartning to the hollander but a mighty incouragament unto the spanyards who did still pursue their Fight Ceased sighting at 3. after noone and the Hollanders in a seeming flight behaved themselves so well that at 3. a clock after-noon the spanyards began to grow weary having his Masts and yards shot strook his Top-sayles and lay by the Lee and staid for the rest of his Fleet and when they came up they all lay by the Lee together to repaire their Masts and rigging upon which the Hollander run to Leewards off them out of shot and likewise clapt his Ship by the Lee and cald a Councell and sent a Frigot presently to call 9 other of their fleet from Duakirk road September and gave him Instructions when he return'd with those 9 Ships to shoot of 2 Pieces of Ordnance every quarter of an houre and when hee was answered by one presently after the discharging of his 2 Pieces 5. th 4 or 5 times one after the other then they might be sure that it was their Fleet and might thereby steere with them albeit it were dark night or thick weather the which as hereafter was carefully observed Towards night the wind shifted and came to the S.w. faire weather they lay all night by the Lee and untill after-noone the next day before they could fit themselves and were drove between Beachy and Faire-Lee and towards night Sir Henry Mannoring Vice-admirall unto Sir John Pennington with 6. of his Majesties ships that were to lye between Beachy and the Ness espying this great Fleet bore into the fleet and having a Councell aboard the Vice admirall 6. th agreed to send Captain Iohn Hall aboard of the Spanish Admirall to command him to strike his Flag who was courâ—eously entertained by the Spanish Admirall who related unto him their Fight that they had had
with the Hollanders the day before and that they had sunke one of the Hollanders ships which was not so for she was blowne up by accident with her owne Powder as is heretofore mentioned also that in their Fight in the Spanish Admirall there was 60 men slaine out-right and 30 men that were maimed after a short couference Captain Hall delivered his message to the Admirall from his Vice-admirall which was to will him to strike his Flag Don Antonio answered that hee did expect to have as much freedome in the English Seas as his Master did give unto our Kings ships in his Harbours which was to weare their Flag and therefore hee would not strike his Flag with which answer Captaine Hall returned unto Sir Henry Mannering who presently made a faire Shot at the Admirall Vpon which both the Admirall and Vice-admirall stroke their Flags and hoyst them up againe which was as much as could be required of them in the Sea After which our Vice-admirall bore for the Downes and the Spanish fleet steer'd along to the Eastwards very little wind Southerly 7. th and the Hollands fleet continually running before them with a short sayle and never shot shot one at another All Saturday it being thick weather towards night the wind came to the S. S. E. they being then thwart of Foulstone and the tyde of Flood spent the Spanyards anchored to stop the Ebbe and the Hollanders did the like being some 4 or 5 miles from them right in the wind of them the Spanyards bearing from them N. by W. About 10 a clock at night the Hollanders heard two Pieces of Ordnance toward Calice and they answered with one rejoycing to heare that their Dunkirk fleet were so neare unto them who continuing shooting every halfe houre at first and every quarter of an houre after they heard one another and by two a clocke in the morning the tyde of Ebbe being spent and the 9 Ships from Dunkirk and the Frigot were joyned with them they having got up their anchors bore up all together upon the Spanish fleet and steer'd with them N. by W. But the Spanyards not being so vigilent as the Hollanders was longer before they weyed anchor then they were so that the Flood being come the Hollanders had falne to the Eastwards off them had they not espied the Admirals Lanthorne in the main-top by the which light they bore all upon him and gave him every one their broad side and tore him exceedingly and then to worke pell-mell with all the Fleet and continued the fight the Ordnance going off so fast 8. th Sunday that it was a wonder to those that heard and saw them The Fight began againe which was a very sore fight The wind then at S. and by W. the Spanish fleet hal'd over for the French coast and the Hollanders to windward off them still continuing their fight upon the Spanish and Portugall squadrons the Dunkirkers keeping still on the Leeboughs off them without shot and all the Lubeckers and other ships that had the Soldiers in them were a good birth a head of them all some of them being as we did conceive that lookt upon them out of the Downes with prospective Glasses were past Callice About 9 a clock we could perceive one of the great Spanyards which prov'd the Admirall of Sivill lie with her head to the westward with her mayn-yard shot downe and her mayn-top-sayle stroke which Ship was taken by Capt. Forran a valiant Frenchman that was Captain of one of the States of Hollands small ships he had the possession of the ship above an houre not having men in his ship sufficient to man her hee did expect that some of the Hollanders would have borne up unto him to spare him some helpe to carry her alongst with him But whether it were out of Envie unto him because hee was not of their Nation and had taken so great a Ship with so few men as it is greatly to bee suspected for not one of them bore up unto him to ayd him On the contrary side the Admirall of the Spanyards seeing one of the Admirals of his Fleet taken cast about to rescue him which caused Captain Forran to rifle and pillage what they could and tooke out the Captain and all the principall men of that Ship to the number of 70 Men aboard of his ship and left her after that the two spanish Admirals cast about intending to relieve the Ship that was taken by Forran but the hollanders did ply them so fast especially the Vice-Admirall of the Holland fleet as the English men which were amongst the spanyards did relate unto us that the spanyards layd downe their Armes and would not fight so that they shot not one Piece of Ordnance in almost halfe an houre the which wee could very well perceive out of the Downes then the Dunkirkers fearing that their Admirals would bee lost and those that had the Soldiers in them which might have been in Dunkirke within two houres to follow Instructions which was to follow their Admirall they all cast about The hollanders perceiving the Dunkirks making all the speed that they could to relieve their Admirals knowing them to be resolute men of Warre and fresh and the Powder in his Fleet being almost all spent about 10 a clocke hee made Sayle and stood away to the Westwards from them having taken one of the Spanish fleet and as they afterwards reported had sunke another of the which I doubt for they were not so farre from us but that wee could have perceived a Ship to sinke and then hee stood for Calice to supply himselfe with Powder 8 th Sunday The Hollanders having left the Spanyards and the tyde of Ebbe being spent before they could fit the Admirall of Sivil to sayle the wind being at South and S. by W. except they would have lost that Ship September 1639. the which the Admirall would not give way unto and the flood being come they could not fetch over unto the French coast The Spenyards anchored at the South foreland and rode with Flags aloft but was forced to beare towards the Downes and anchored with all his Fleet between the South forland and Weymar Castle which was 4 or 5 miles from us where they rode with their Flags aloft there being 65 Sayle of them His Majesties fleet that was then in the Downes under the Command of Sir Iohn Penington were the Vnicorne Admirall the Henretta Maria Vice-admirall commanded by Sir Henry Mannering the Antolope by Captain Stradling Rereadmirall the Bonaventure by Captain Richard Feelding the Dreadnaught by Capt. Iohn Hall What Ships were then in the Dewnes of the Kings the Providence by Captain Rob. Slingsby the second Whelp by Capt. Iohn Burley the 3. Whelp by Capt. Philip Hill the Roe-buck Pinness by Mr. Wollard the Vnicorns a Marchant man by Capt. Edw. Popham with some other Merchant men which were in the Downs at that time Sir
to transport them for Flanders and amongst these Vessels by inquiry I was certified that Thomas Gilbert and Hugh Lawes 20 th Friday were staid at Gravsend and as yet the other three were at London where we conceive they are likewise staid But this order came somthing to late for the most of the Souldiers were sent away before by Dover-men Deall and Ramsgate-men with other small craft that tooke them abord in the dark nights and carried them away the winde this day being at S.S.E. three Hollanders more came in and two turned out at the South-sands-head all the night following not much winde only some puffs with thunder lightning and Raine in the morning we could perceive that divers Hollanders more were come in that night and divers other that we did see without the sand whereof 12 of them were victualers as the Hollanders that came in did report and some of them were to be made fire-ships after that there victualls was disposed off Some of them got in before night and some could not Iohn Whitman this day came in with a great Hamborough ship that he had bought at Dunkirk with 22 Pieces of Ordnance swhich ship I likewise stayed by warrant 21. Saturday After-noone our Admirall sent Captaine Robert Slings by my self abord of Admirall Tromp to command him to give order that two of his ships that Rode to the Southward of us might be removed from thence and that he should not suffer any of his ships hereafter to do the like for it was a kind of hindring of him in his Majesties Road. But at our first comming abord before we could deliver our message he circumvented us and said do you see those fellows meaning the Captains of those two ships how they have Birth themselves I think the divell is in them for I cannot get them to follow my directions as they should and thereupon presently sent to warrants and caused them two remove 21. Saturday and did likewise promise that when his fire-ships did come he would send both his Vice-admiralls abord to Sir Iohn that he might if he pleased send men abord of them to search them and promised that he would cause them to ride to the Southwards amongst his ships and promised that he would not atempt any thing in the Road but would be conformable to to what our Admirall should desire or Command Little wind towards night in the morning the winde southerly the rest of the ships that we did see thwart the sand and 10 fire-ships came into the Road the third Whelp likewise came in from Dunkirk who said that there was not any ships there that were making ready The Dutch Admirall sent both his Vice-admiralls abord to Sir Iohn to proffer him if he pleased to send men abord of their fire-ships to search them and promised that they should not Ride neer unto any of his ship nor neer unto the Spanish Fleet. This day came in two English ships of 14 Pieces of Ordnance each ship the one was the Blessing of London the other the Iames of Yarmouth both bound for Farrow in Portugall which ships were likewise staid by Sir Iohns order 21. Sunday after-none Don Anthony de Oquendo the Spanish Admirall sent one of his Captains unto our Admirall Sir Iohn Penington to desire him to give him safe conduct for his masts that were made at Dover for some of his Fleet into the Downes for he feared that the Hollanders might seaze upon them between Dover and the Downes upon which our Admirall answered the Spanyard that he would take course that their masts should not be intercepted and presently after sent me abord of the Hollands Admirall to charge and command him not to hinder the passage of the Spanyards masts from comming from Dover to which Admirall Trump answered that he was so farre from hindring of the comming of their masts that he would fetch them from Dover for them The Spanard Masts if they would give him leave and to further their businesse he would send men abord of their ships to set their masts for them and presently gave order to one of the Captains of his Frigats to repaire with all speed to Dover Road commanding him with his men and boate to give them the best assistance that they could to get their masts out of the Peere of Dover and to bring them into the Downes which answer was sent to the Spanish Admirall Little wind our Admirall gave order to all the English to get up their Top-masts and Yards and that all things should be in a readinesse in every ship if any aoccasion should present it self In the morning the wind t N. by W. the second Whelp conveyed 4 Barks for Dunkirk which Barks I searched for Souldiers afterwards proffered Admirall Trump that he might search them by some of his Captains for the which he shewed himself very thankfull but answered that he would trust my report for a greater matter then that at this time all the Cannary men and other English ships of small force that were staid were released by Sir Iohn who set sayle to follow their intended voyages also Mr. Iames Flawes that came from Zant in the Dorsset 23. Munday Mr. Iohn Flowers bound for the Summer Islands and John Whitman in the Hambrough from Dunkirk having procured warrants for their release were all discharged and set sayle out of the Road and the third Whelp was sent to Chatham this day the Spanish Admirall sent word to our Admirall that he did hope to set sayle to morrow with those ships that were ready if Sir Iohn would give him leave whose answer was that he was so farre from hindring of him that he would further him the most he could but it was but a bravade for he never intended it The next morning more Dutch-men of Warre came into the Road I was sent abord to Admirall Trump to will him to give order for the removing of four of his ships that were anchord on sea-bord of us the which he gave present order for and they were removed This day there came abord our Admirall the Lord of Carliles son and some other Lords who did after go abord of the Spanish and Dutch Admirall and at their being abord of Amirall Trumps they heard one of his Captains complaine to him that a hundreth and 50 Spanish Souldiers were transported over to Dunkirk in the last convoy that went from hence 24th Tuseday But he answered him that he did not beleeve it yet at the return of the Lords abord of Sir Iohn they relating unto him what they had heard caused Sir Iohn to be somthing angry and sent Sir Henry Mannering his Vice-admirall and Captaine Pophaem and me abord of the Dutch Adimrall to clear that aspersion but it was in a manner cleared before for he protested unto us that he did never beleeve one word of it But said he this Capt. that told him this newes is very subject
Iohn Penington was very much discontented that they should ride so neare him with their Flags aloft but could not presently send unto them the wind and tyde being against them that should goe but at 5. a clock in the afternoone the tyde beginning to slack Captain Robert Slingsby and Captain Edward Popham was sent unto them to command them to take in their Colours And when they came to the Spanyards they were courteoussy entertained and delivered their message to which the Spanyards replyed as they had formerly done unto our Vice-admirall viz. That they did expect as much liberty in the King of Englands Roads as the King of Englands ships had in their Harbors where they were suffered to weare their Colours without controll yet rather then that should breed any difference if our Admirals Instructions did reach so farre as to command in their Flags hee did intreat that our Admirall would be pleased to send them a Command in writing that he might shew it his Master at his returne and hee would presently obey his Command September 1639. and withall desired that hee might have leave to come into the Road for the better security of his Fleet about 7. at night they returned with this Answer Upon which Sir Iohn Penington resolved not to send them any thing in writing but gave order to those Captaines to goe againe abord of them betimes next morning to command them to doe their Obeysance unto his Majesty of England who was Admirall of all those Seas and to certifie them if they refused it that hee would come with his Fleet and compell them thereunto Vnto which purpose hee gave me Order at day light in the morning Munday 9. to goe abord of all the English Marchant ships great and small that were in the road to Command them to make ready to set Sayle to goe along with the Admirall if hee did wey and to assist him in what he should Command them to doe the which I did very early in the morning and in the meane time unmoored all our ships Captain Slingsby and Popham likewise followed their Command by day light But at halfe an houre past 7. a clocke our Admirall sent me after them with his Pinnesse to know the reason why their Flag was not stroke and why the Captaines did not returne to give him their Answer and in the meane time hee would get his Fleet and all the Marchant men loofe and turne it up towards the Spanyards for if there were any delay they should not have tyde enough to get to them We rowed away with all speed and when I came abord of the Admirall the Captain of the ship gave me entertainment and led me aft unto the Admirall who was in Councell with his other Captaines in the Gallery But comming into the Cabbin I found our two Captaines sitting there something discontent that they could not have their Resolutions unto whom I related my message upon which they both went into the gallery with me and shewed the Admirall wherefore I was sent they gave me civill entertainment and answered me that they would doe any thing that our Admirall should command them but said that they were writing to him Septemb. 1643. to the which I made no answer having no spanish but put the naile of my thumb to my teeth and gave a snap and said My Speech to the Spanish Admirall Nath o pre ell skeetoe bessee Lee pavilyon etterman notter naverros som preat a venae which is in English Strike your Flags otherwise our ships are ready to come towards you and shewed him our ships who were divers of them under sayle and would force him to strike And so I parted from them out of the Cabbin and made asmuch hast away as possible I could the wind being southerly with sayle and Oares we made good speed towards our ships yet before we were a mile from the Spanyards the Admirall tooke in his Flag and shot of a Piece of Ordnance over his Vice-admirall who likewise stroke his Flag and furl'd it and so did all the rest of the Ships that wore Colours And presently after they percelving the Hollands fleet under Callice cliffes making towards the Downes The Spanyards like men scared out of their wits albeit they had a windward tyde and might have got up all their Anchors before the Hollanders could get halfe Seas over or come neare them by 4 or 5 leagues the most of them like mad men cut their Cables in the halss and came into the Road and anchored to the Southwards off us the Admirals saluted us with 7 and 5 Pieces the Vice-admirals with 5 and 3 Pieces After which the Hollanders came all in and saluted us every Ship and anchored to the southwards off the Spanyards Munday 9. after which Sir Iohn Penington fearing that the Hollanders might attempt something upon them in the Road he sent me unto Admirall Tromp Admirall of the Hollanders to forwarne him from medling to attempt any thing in his Majesties road the which he promised me faithfully to obey yet for his better security to prevent any such attempt Sir Iohn sent to the Spanyards Captain Slingsby to command them to birth themselves to the Northwards off us unto which purpose Sir Iohn would give them his birth because there was not water enough for some of their ships to ride to the Northwards off him September 1639 if hee did not remove and assured them that hee would Ride with his Fleet between the Hollands fleet and them and gave Order to all his Fleet and all the English Marchant men that were in the road to birth themselves accordingly the which was performed by us When the tyde of Ebbe came on Tuesday morning but not so punctually as we desired by reason that many of the spanyards did not remove themselves after noone there came in 4. Tuesday 10. Hollands men of Warre more wherein was Vice-admirall De White that carried the Spanyards into Holland that they had taken as is aforesaid and left his owne Ship to bee repaired and was appointed another ship one of the best they had in the Road the Hollanders being in number 30. sayle of men of Warre At night there came a Packet from the Earle of Northumberland unto Sir Iohn Penington wherein there was mentioned that according to the Articles of Peace between his Majesty of England and the King of Spaine they might take 8. Dayes liberty to repaire or refresh themselves which time being expired they were to depart the Coast In the morning the Spanyards removed from amongst us and wee did birth all the Kings ships according to our intent and the Hollanders did all wey and tooke their births to the Southwards of us but after noone Admirall Tromp sent his Vice-admirall and Rereadmirall and some other Captaines to desire leave from Sir Iohn that some of their ships might ride to the Northwards of the Spanyards fearing that some of the
to relate false tales after this answer we demanded of him if that he had as yet received any other instructions from the States of Holland then he had formerly he said not one word This day the Earle of Warwick in his Pinnesse called the Penington came down from London to view the two Fleets the Dutch being now about 80 sayle or upwards the wind Easterly and so it continued the next day Sir Iohn received order from the Lord Admirall for the clearing of the Mary of London Richard Dearme Mr. for the Cannaries after which Sir John sent me abord of all the English ships that brought Souldiers and to take them up that I found fitting for his Majesties service but I found but three of them fitting for that service which was the Exchange of London William Browne Captaine with 32 Pieces of Ordnance the Perregreen of Loadon Peter Tattom Mr. with 17 Pieces of Ordnance and the Assurance of London Isaac Bromwell Mr. with 18 Pieces of Ordnance 25th Wendsday in the which ships especially the two last there was divers sick men for the rest of that Fleet they had so many sick men that they were cleared away to go whether they would the winde continued Easterly and more Hollanders came into the Road. A Packet came from London certifying Sir Iohn Pennington there was order for 6 ships more of the Kings to be made ready with all expedition besides those 8 ships and 6 Marchant men formetly mentioned and that they were all ready to set sayle nothing wanting but a wind to bring them to us the wind being stâ—ll Easterly in the morning Sir Iohn sent me abord of Admirall Trump to invite him to dinner but he desired to be excused Trump invited the second time to dinner the which he did relate unto me that I might give Sir Iohn our Admirall to understand that it was not for want of love and respect unto him for he said in the first place I have so much businesse that I cannot be absent from my ship one half hour muchlesse three houres which is but a vsuall time for a dinner secondly he said that he had a great many of clownish Boars amongst his Captains 26th Thursday that neither understood civillity nor manners and that they would be ready to mâ—kâ— the States acquainted with my being absent from my businesse and would not stick to say as they had formerly done by my Predesessor the Gâ—ave Van Dorpt which was cast in his teeth divers times by the States that he did neglect his businesse and lost many oportunities of doing them good services by feasting with our Admirall Sir Iohn Penington to whom he desired to remember his humble service and said that hereafter he was in hope to come hither when he should not have so much businesse and then he would wait upon him This after noone 9 Hollanders more came into the Road also one Mr. Smith of Marget who is Water baily of that Port or deputy unto Mr. Iohn Iacob Serjeant of the Admiralty for the Sinke Ports came abord to Sir Iohn to complaine that this morning a Hollands Frigat came into their road with a Pendant on the main-top-mast-head and a lack on the Bolspit being of his Majesties Colours and an Ancient on his poop of English Colours This Frigat took two Catches full of Spanish Soldiers that rode at anchor close by the Peer-head upon which Mr. 2 Catehes taken by the Mollouders the Souldiers in them Smith my Lord Wardens officer went abord of the Fright and demanded of him how he durst presume to weare his Majesties Colours and under those Colours to come into his Road and take away his subjects and their Vessels the Hollanders answered by Sir Iohn Peningtons order Mr. Smith demanded to see that order upon which they brought out their Admiralls warrant but could not shew none from Sir Iohn where upon he fell a starne of the Vessell and made a figne to the Fort who shot presently at them and shot the Hollander through and through yet he ran thencewith the two Catches and carried them cleere away Sir Iohn hearing this relation was exceedingly vext at it 26. Thursday presently sent Sir Henry Mannering his Vice-admirall and myself abord of Admirall Trump to require satisfaction from him for the misdemeanor of that Captaine that did presume to weare his Majesties Colours and to take those Vessels from under his Fort and likewse for saying that he did it by our Admitalls order to the which he answered that he had given order to Iohn Everson the Vice-admirall of Flushing who had the command of all the Squadron of ships that rode to the Northwards of the Spanyards to send a small Pinnesse that way to look out for two Catches with Souldiers that he had notice of that had taken Soldiers out of one of the English Ships the night before and if so be that they could take them to carry them for Flushing but for the wearing the English Colours or giving him order to take them under the Fort or that they should say they did it by Sir Iohn Peningtons order all these he utterly disclaimed and said that he would give order that none of his Fleet should presume to do the like hereafter after this answer he told us that the Lord Connaway and Colonell Goring desired to be abord with him in his Ship the Colonell alledging that it was his duty to doe the best Service he could for his Masters the States of Holland from whence he did acknowledge to have a great part of his livelihood and the Lord Conaway desired for experience sake to be aboard of him but desired that he might have his great Cabbin and that he might set up a Bed-sted in it but he said that he could not spare his Cabbin and said he I have no other lodging for my self nor any place for my Captains to meet in when I have occasion to call a Councell which is almost every day upon one businesse or other and likewise he told his Lordship that he had neither Cooks nor Cook-rooms to dresse his meat in for said he for my part I can make a meale with a pickled Herring and a Ham of Bacon he likewise told them that they could not doe him any Service they might chance if they stayed with him to lose a Leg or an Arme or it may be their lives Thursday 26th for they would stand but as a mark for the Enemies to shoot at At our return abord Sir Henry Manering did speak as much unto the Lord Conaway and concluded that if he should come to any hurt in that Service he would be laught at and derided for adventuring his person into such danger it not being for his King nor Countries Service In the morning little winde Southerly and so continued most part of the day about noone the Spaniards Masts from Dover was towed into the Downes by a Hollands Frigot who
came to an Anchor with them close by the Spanish Admiral and delivered them unto him â—he Spaniards lasts brought for which service the Spanish Admirall sent the Captaine of the Frigot a Butt of Sack This night the Second Whelp was to convoy two Barks to Dover and with them two others from Dover to Dunkirk Sir Iohn sent me abord of these two Barks to search for Soldiers â—â—th â—riday and also to remember his love unto Admiral Tromp and proffer him if he pleased to send some likewise of his Fleet with me to search them for the which he returned hearty thanks unto Sir Iohn and did at first deny it but at that time there being in Councell with him most of the Captains of his Squadron for their better satisfaction he sent two Captains along with me and after our return they certifying that no Soldiers were abord of them Admirall Tromp did most heartily desire me to excuse him to our Admirall for his so doing In the morning before day the Whelp set saile out of Dover Road with her convoy at which time the same Frigot that had towed the Masts from Dover the day before lying at the South-forland to prevent any passages between Flanders and the Spanish Fleet the Frigot perceiving a Billander to be a good birth astern of the Whelp bound for Dunkirk intending to cut her off but the Billander cast about and being chased by the Frigot was forced to run ashore under the Castle of Dover where the Frigot ran ashore closse by her amongst the Rocks and the water falling was drie aground but being fair wether she got off againe but tooke the Billander upon which a Merchant of Dover came abord unto Sir Iohn Penington for reliefe for the which busines he sent Capt. Stradling Capt. Feelding and the Merchant and my self abord of Admirall Tromp but we found him not in his owne ship for at that time he was at a Councell held aboard of his Vice-Admirall Dewhite unto whom we related our message unto which he made answer that he did think that the Captaine and the men that were in that Frigot were drunke with the Buâ—t of Sack that the Spaniard gave him the day before for he had no Commission for what he had done and vowed that he would punish him for it if he did not give him the better answer and gave order that the Billander should presently be delivered and said that he would send warrants to all his Fleet to command them that they should not medle with any Vessels within shot of any of his Majesties Forts and Castles upon no occasion whatsoever and for the present gave this Comand unto all the Captains that were then abord with him which were the greatest part of of his Fleet. 28th Saterday After which by some discourse that we had with him we did gather that they had an intent to doe somthing suddenly upon the Spaniards upon which information our Admirall presently writ to Admirall Tromp commanding him not to attempt any thing upon his Enemy in the Road for if he did he should find him his mortall Enemy and that he would make such a Breach between his Majesty and the States that would not be easily reconcil'd to which he answered that he had no Order to doe any thing here in the Road neither was he yet resolved to attempt any thing but when he did he would give our Admirall notice thereof the which answer we return'd But our Admirall fearing the worst and the better to prepare the Spaniards sent Captaine Robert Slingsby unto Don Anthony the Spanish Admirall for to certifie him that he doubted that his Enemies would assault him suddainly wished him to be ready to defend themselves and also to assure him that upon any attempt we should take against the Assailant the which message did much incourage the Spaniard who said he would give present order for his Fleet to birth themselves for the best advantage to succour one another and returned most humble Thanks unto our Admirall In the morning there came a packet from the Lord Admirall advising that the Hollanders and French Embassadors had ingaged themselves unto his Majesty that the Hollanders should not attempt any thing upon their Enemies in this Road so that Sir Iohn might discharge all the Merchants ships that were stayed by him and also he writ that now he did not intend to come downe himself with that Fleet that was making ready yet they should be hastened downe with all expedition Sir Iohn sent me abord of Admirall Tromp to certifie him what their Embassadors had promised he answered that he would not break their promise neither had he ever such an intent except his Masters should give him expresse order for it which answer I returned and found aboard of our Admirall the Earl of Arundell and his Sons the wind being Northerly and the first of flood Admirall Tromp heaved out his fore-top Saile and so did divers of his Fleet and we did the like and rode apike with our Anchor being very doubtfull that the Hollanders would set Saile and fall on presently upon the Spaniards The Lord Marshall hearing that we doubted the fight might presently begin he would not stay dinner with Sir Iohn albeit he did most solemnely invite him But went presently abord of Admirall Tromp where he had an excellent good pickle Herring for his Break-fast and from thence he went ashore the Hollanders weyed only to see their Anchors and let them fall againe Our Admirall was very unwilling for all that Admirall Tromp had promised as yet to cleare away the Merchants ships untill farther conference with Admirall Tromp and to that purpose after dinner he sent his Vice-Admirall Sir Henry Manering and Captain Stradling Captain Feelding and Capt. Popham abord of him unto whom he promised as much as formerly he had done to me â—â—nday â—â—th with some addition which was that he would give our Admirall notice before he would begin with them and then he hoped that he would doe his best A misconstruâ—ng of Admiral Tromps words with this Answer they returned to our Admiral and construed Admirall Tromps words of saying that he hoped they would doe their best as it were a way of challenge that we should doe our best and our worst against them Upon which Sir Iohn resolved not to clear the Merchants ships but sent a packet thereof presently to the Lord Admiral and gave me order to wey our Anchor in the morning and to get farther off and to ride without all the Fleet the wind being all Easterly the which command was performed betimes in the morning after which our Admirall sent Captaine Slingsby abord of the Spanish Admiral to assure him that he did not remove his Fleet farther off the shore to leave an open gap for the Hollander to come in upon him but to be the more readyer to assist him upon all occasions for the which he returned most
give him to understand that in his packet that he had received this morning his Majesty was pleased to mention that within few dayes he would give order to warne them all both Spaniards and Dutch out of his Road to which he replyed I would it were to morrow afterwards I demanded of him Doubtfull that the Hollanders had received order to fight with them in the Rord whether he had received any farther order by his last Adviser that came from Holland he answered that he could not tell whether he had received any order or not but he had received some Letters from his Masters the which he had sent up to London to their Embassador from whence he did expect an Answer very suddainly but withall said that he would live and dye by his word or that hee would not attempt any thing upon the Spanyards before hee made Sir Iohn acquainted with his intentions and promised that his ships without us should remove After-noone 20 Sloops from Dunkirk with Men and Provision there came into the Downes twenty Saile of Dunkirk Sloops laden with men and Provision for the Spanish Fleet. Sir Iohn called a Councell of all his Captains and Masters to advise whether it were not fitting for us to wey with our Fleet Wednesday and to birth our selves to windwards of those Hollanders that did ride without us to the which we all agreed if so be that the Hollanders did not remove according to promise at which meeting our Admirall did encourage all his Capt. and Mrs. to shew themselves men in the ayding of that party that should be assaulted in his Majesties Chamber as this Road is called the which they all promised faithfully to performe and so departed every one to his owne Ship it being likely to blow hard the wind towards night at E. and by N. At day light the wind being at E. S.E. our Admirall sent me abord of Vice-admirall White who commanded those Ships that rode to windward off us and which as wee did finde afterwards were appointed to attend upon us when their Admirall should fall on upon the Spanyards when I came abord of him I demanded of him why he did not remove with his ships and said unto him that our Admiral had sent me unto him to know whether he did intend to beleaguer him in his Majesties Road he answered no he had no such intent but would remove with his Squadron where I should direct him I willed him to go to the Northward or to the Southward of us or to the Leewards of us and not to ride in the wind of us the which he promised should presently be performed and put out his Blood Colours upon the Poope which was a signe for the other ships to wey their Anchors and they removed presently but after my message was delivered the Vice-admirall who calleth me Cousen demanded wherefore the Spanyards did still delay their time of going forth of the road I answer'd him that in the first place the wind was contrary Secondly they had sent to London for Powder and other provision and until that came they could not stirre also I demanded of him whether they had any farther directions then they had formerly he answered me that he knew not what the Admirall had and seeing that I could not learne any thing from him I tooke leave and when I came abord related his Answer to our Admirall all his Ships weyed and new birtht themselves and some of them Anchored right to windwards of us Thursday 3 upon which we weyed with all our ships and Anchored to the Southwards of them all After this the Hollanders had two severall Councels The Hollanders did profer to give Spaniards 5 C. Barrels of powder which caused us to expect their falling on presently but they did not but sent two of their Captains unto our Admirall to certifie him that they did heare that the Spaniards had sent up to London for 500. barrels of Powder and untill that came down to them they could not stir from out of the road which might be a long delay as the winds did change for the most part Easterly wherefore their Admiral having consulted with his Captains of his Fleet hath thought fitting rather then any longer time should be lost to intreat him to send word unto the Spanish Admirall that he would give him 500. Barrels of Powder conditionally that he would go out of the road without delay after that they had received it to which our Admirall answered that he would not upon those Termes send to the Spaniard but if so be that they would set a reasonable price upon their powder and sell it unto them then Sir Iohn would give them notice of it but they answered that they had no other order but as formerly to give it them upon condition they would goe out of the Road with them and so tooke their leaves of our Admirall Towards night came a packet from the Lord Admirall giving order for the cleering and discharging of 5 5 Merchants Ships discharged merchants Ships that were stayed viz The golden Eagle The golden Lyon Anne Bonadventure the John and Thomas and the Speadwel the Anne Bonadventure set sail presently the wind at E. S. E and the rest the next morning very early the wind at S. E. by E. The Spanish Admirall sent unto our Admirall to desire him to come and ride by him to secure his Fleet or that he would let him come with his Fleet by him to the which Sir Iohn answered that if so be that their Admirall would come with his Fleâ—t and ride where he did he would goe with his Fleet and ride where he did ride for that was the best part of all the road the which Sir Iohn had left unto him as formerly for the better security of his Fleet but to ingage himselfe to ride between the Hollanders and them and thereby to bring himselfe into danger of the Hollanders Fire-ships October 25. he would not but said to him that he might assure his Admirall that if so be that the Hollanders did attempt any thing upon them in the road he would with that strength that he had give him his best assistance also he told him that the Hollanders had been with him and proffered to give them 500. barrells of Powder and likewise hee sent him word that if he would have taken his former advise he might have gone away with lesse danger before so many Hollanders came and not to have stayed for that Powder After which the Palsgrave of Rhine came abord of us The Palsgraâ—â— came abord 〈◊〉 went for 〈◊〉 and dined with our Admirall and to entertaine him both our Fleet and all the Hollanders shot off Ordnance he went afterwards abord of the Bonadventure commanded by Capt. Richard Feelding who carried him to Callis at whose departure from us we and all our Fleet and all the Hollanders and likewise all the Spaniards shot off
had no other then his general instructions which is without limitation for to fall upon his enemies whersoever he found them not exempting any road or place but as yet they had no resolution to medle with them in this road neither would he shoot one shot at his Enemy before he gave our Admirall notice by a Letter but to promise to stay three dayes after he could not doe that for he could not answer it unto his Masters the States for they were at a great charge having now at this present 100. and three Saile of men of Warre and sixteene fire-Ships and now the Winter coming on if he should neglect the first opportunity it might so happen that he should not have the like in a moneth or a longer time that that great charge would lye heavy upon their Country October 28. and might cause him to loose his life amongst the tumultuous Commonalty at his returne wherefore he could not nor would not engage his promise in that kind with which answer we returned upon which our Admirall writ a packet to his Majesty and the Lord Admirall Monday 7 th wherein the Answer of Admirall Tromp was mentioned and also a request to them to be graciously pleased to send down some instructions how farre we should proceed or engage our selves in the quarrell if they should fight in the road which packet was signed by Sir Iohn Penington and his Vice-Admirall and five other Captains Sir Iohn sent his Lieutenant with a Packet to the King and our Lievtenant Thomas Penington Nephew to our Admirall was sent expresse with it who was to bring an Answer thereof and to that purpose rode post to the Lord Admiral and upon receipt thereof the Lord Admirall went presently to Windsor to the King where they agreed upon an Answer In the morning very faire weather â—uesday 8. the winde at East afternoone came a packet to discharge another of the Merchants ships called the Blessing The rest of â—â—e Marchants â—â—â—ps discharâ—â—d and therein the Lord Admirall left it unto Sir Iohns discretion whether he would detaine or discharge the rest who taking into consideration that the Merchants had been a long time hindred and their strength of small concernment and the wind being faire discharged them all only the Exchange The Hollanâ—â—rs intended 〈◊〉 fight Captaine William Browne who brought Soldiers from Spaine The winde the next morning was at North west the Admirall of the Dutch and divers of his Fleet set saile whereupon our Admirall sent Capt. Slingsby to the Spaniards to prepare to defend themselves and we hove out both our Top-sailes and were ready with all our Fleet to attend on the Hollanders and to assist the Defendants but the Spaniards rodestill fast moored albeit Capt. Slingsby advised him to get his Fleet loose and rather to put it to a Sea-sight than to be burnt at an Anchor who answered that if they would goe to Sea twenty of them to twenty of his ships he would fight with them Wednesday 9 but he held it not fitting with his fifty ships to put out of the Road to fight with a hundred Saile of his Enemies and where he rode in the King of Englands road he thought himself secure and therfore he resolved not to stirre but before noone the winde shifted Easterly againe so that the hollanders anchored againe and did not begin with them as they did intend as we were afterwards informed they would if the winde had continued Northerly for the Hollands Admirall was fitted for fight having taken downe all things Our Lieutenant returned even his Bed-sted and Table out of his Cabbin divers Noblemen came abord this day to visit our Admirall who went all ashore in the Evening at which time our Lievtenant came againe with a Packet from London in the morning the wind Easterly our Admirall called a Councell afterwards sent Capt. Henry Stradling and Capt. October 1649 Richard Feelding and Capt. Iohn Hall unto the Dutch Admirall for to certifie him that bythe Packet that our Admirall received the last night by his Lievtenant his Majesty did promise to come from Windsor to London within foure dayes after the date of the Packet from whence he would send Order and appoint a certaine day for both their Fleets to depart the road the which message did cause Van Tromp greatly to rejoyce and withall did wish that the time were come that they might make an end of the businesse for he had a great deale of trouble and vexation and it would increase dayly upon him if their stay were long upon it for divers of his Ships within short time would bee out of victuall c. About noone the winde being at E. by N. one William Thomas came into the Road with his Hoy 500 Barrels Powder came downe to the Spanyards who had abord of him five hundred barrels of Powder and other provisions for the Spaniards and anchored neer unto their Admiral and came abord of Sir Iohn with his Boat to inquire for the Earl of Newports the Master of the Ordnance men that were come downe in a light Horseman for to deliver the Powder to the Spaniards and without them he could not deliver it this light Horseman and the men had been abord of us in the morning but left no word whither they went but Sir Iohn did expect that they had been abord of the Spanish Admirall but being that they were not there he willed him to goe and attend abord of his Hoy and he would send his 2. Boats to looke for them and found them at length Thursday 10 100 taken in who went presently abord to the Spanish Admirall and delivered 100 barrels of Powder but the night came on and the wind increased which made a little popling Sea so that the Spaniards put off the taking out of the rest untill the morning which might have been all taken out and disposed of before night had the Earl of Newports men attended as they should have done upon so weighty a busines as that was which did much discontent our Admirall the Hollands Admirall had birtht himselfe to the N. Eastwards of the Spaniards and his Vice-Adm rall and Reare-Admirall with 30. of their best men of Warre and 3. Fire-ships Birtht themselves to the N. Eastwards of us In the morning at 4 of the clock the wind at N. N. W. Foggie weather we did heare a piece of Ordnance to the N. N. Eastwards of us the which we tooke to be a warning Piece from the Hollands Admirall for all his Fleet to prepare themselves for the Fight which proved according to our expectation for at day-light most of the Hollanders had their Top-sailes out â—riday 11. The Hollanâ—â—â—s set sayle to 〈◊〉 the wether the Spanâ—â—rds and their sheats hauld home whereupon our Admirall called a Councell and we with all our Fleet made preparation and tore downe all our borded Cabbins betweene the Decks
Portugall Admirall abord upon the weather bow amongst his anchors which intangled him and hindred his way and presently five of their Fire-ships boarded him on both sides and fired all on a sodaine and burnt all 7. together Don Anthony de Oquendo upon this fearing the like made all the sayle that he could to the Westwards divers of the rest of the Spanyards they tooke But of that hereafter The Hollanders that came through the Guls from the Northwards perceiving us at Anchor neare the Southermost of the Spanyards that were a-shore kept off without shot of us and followed their Admirall the wind being at N.N.W. a stiffe gale And by that time that the tyde came to windwards the Hollanders men of War that were a-shore fleeted and ran of thinking to have got out to windwards of us at the South sands head but we stood off and shot at them and at the first shot they stroke their Top-sayles and after the second shot they bore up under our Lee and both their Captaines were commanded abord of us Our Admirall caused the Flag to be lung out for a generall Councell who being all met abord of us Our Admirall demanded their opinions what they thought fittest to be done with these two Captains and their ships and withall gave his opinion that if so bee that we should detaine them they were no considerable satisfaction for his Majestie for the affront done unto him for their beginning the fight in his Road comonly called his Majesteis Chamber Also he sayd that questionlesse the Hollanders would returne to looke after those ships of the Spanyards that were run a-shore and finding these two of his ships stayd by us doubtlesse hee would require them of us and wee having once made stay of them could not with honour deliver them And if so be that hee should by force take them from us as very well he might having five times our strength it would bee a greater affront unto his Majesty and disgrace unto us Also he said that hereafter their force would decrease and ours might increase and then we might happen to seaze upon some better purchase or more and better ships and men therby to give his Majesty better satisfaction if he required it upon a small debate hereof we all concluded to cleare them away for the which the Dutch Captaines did very much rejoyce then it was likewise concluded that Capt. Iohn Hall Captaine of the Dread-naught should goe up to his Majesty with a true Relation of what had past that day sevenight by our Admirall and all the Captaines and Masters of the fleet At this time he was set ashore being 7 a clocke at night at which time wee did see a great flash like Lightning over the Foreland which was the Portugals Admirals powder that blew up when the fire came to it At high-water some of the Ships got of from the shore after midnight the wind came to the West and W. and by N. and blew hard So that the next Tyde all the ships that were tight drove off the shore whereof their was eight Lubickers and Hambourgers Sir Iohn Penington sent Capt. Fielding and my selfe a-bord of all the Spanyards that were come off from the shore and found them in great distresse for want of Cables and Anchors for they were all Cut away when the Fight began Also wee found but very few men Especially Sea-men abord of most of the Spanyards amongst the rest wee were abord of Don Andrewes de Castro's ship the Vice admirall of the fleet who had 56 Pieces of brasse Ordnance in her which ship was drove from the shore with the Westerly wind but had two Anchors and Cables out both towards the Land which anchors were dry at lowwater The men wee found all of them packing up to goe a-shore we demanded the reason why they left their Ship they answered that they were wearied with Pomping and said their hold was full of water But wee answered them that there could not bee much water in her for the ship was a-float and did Swim as jocant now as shee did when she was in the Raod also I lookt downe into the hold and could perceive the flowre dry upon which we perswaded them to continue abord and not so basely to loose a ship of that worth and consequence and Inquiring for the chiefe Officers belonging to the said ship found that they were all gone a-shore to Don Andrews de Castro their Vice-admirall to take Instructions from him what they should doe with their Ship this relation or answer we had from the Master and the Pilot of Captaine Whellers ship A Donkerker that was sunke three ships length without the Vice-admirall unto whom I proffered that if they would give way to it I would bring some English-men abord and save the ship their Answer was that they must follow the Command of the Vice-admirall and what hee commanded they would follow then I said unto them if so bee that you doe not get an Anchor off to keepe the ship a-float their best course were for to heave the ship as neare the shore as they could at high water whereby they might save all her provisions for the Ship rid a-float at low water They answered as formerly they must follow Instructions from their Vice admirall c. This ship was between Kings-downe and Wamer Castle and close by her lay the Dunktrker aforesaid sunke and two ships bottoms that were burnt by the hollands fire-ship which drove off and burnt till shee came thwart of the South foreland and there sunke Saturday 12 What Ships of the Spanish Fleet were lost upon the shore at Deal this ship of the Vice admirals rode as we left her and did wind too and fro with the Flood and Ebb and Sunk not vntill Monday afternoone in three fatham and a halfe or 4 fatham at low water They having neglected my Advise to heave her close to the shore wherby they might have had her dry at low water By which neglect the most of her provisions were lost which might otherwayes have bin saved Likewise there was one ship sunke to the Southwards of Deal Castle a Flemesh Hul and two Spanish ships to the Northwards between the Castle and the Towne and at the North end of the Towne lay a brave ship of Ienaway All these ships were lost and torne to pieces by the stormy wether and the Inhabitants but it was some 4 or 5 dayes after This Evening his Majest ship the Leoper comanded by Capt. George Cartwright who was one of the ships that were making ready for our ayd came into the Downs from Portsmouth and with her the second Whelp who was put into Wight by the Easterly windes having bin at the Soyn-head with a Convoy the wind blowing hard at W. Sunday 13. The Hollanders returned into the Road to repaire some defects by S. and also continued all the next day Three of the 6. Marchant men prepared at London
our Admirall would endeavour to performe so farre forth as his Power would reach which was no further then the Road but hee had no Command upon the Land also J gave him notice that J had Order from our Admirall to goe abord of his Ship and the rest of the Wacks upon the shore to looke after them that no man should Imbezell any thing from them and to forbid all men whatsoever except it were such as were hyred to by his Substitutes upon peyne of his Majesties displeasure not to take any thing out of those Spanish Ships a-ground for the which and all former hee returned most hearty thankes to our Admirall In the Morning the wind was at N. by W. a staffe gale before day a Packet came from the Lord Admirall and by a order therein I was Sent a shore to the Spanish Vice-admirall to give him to understand that our Admirall had Order to Convoy his Souldiers for Flanders if he did ship them in English Bottoms he Answered that hee did expect some Vessels from Donkerk for to transport them But if they came not he did intend to provide vessels at Dover and then he would thankfully Imbrace our Admiralls Convoy About noone all the Hollands fleet set Sayle and run to the Westwards about the Foreland and then Don Andrewes gave Order to all his ships that were a-float and rid neare the shore to goe Ride farther of At night the wind Westward and proved very fayre wether all night and all the next day afternoone all the Hollands fleet came Open of the Forland abord and bore about on the backside of the Goodwin and stood away most of them towards the East of Holland and the rest towards Flanders At night Captaine Hall Returned from his Majestie who had certified his Majestie of all the proceedigns which had hapned betwixt the Spanyards and the Hollanders Next morning came a Complaint unto our Admirall that divers of the Boats of his Fleet had bin abord of the wracks and had Imbezelled and taken out their Provisions upon which our Admirall gave Order to Capt. Hall Capt. Stradling Capt. Ramsby Capt. Cartwright and my selfe c. To goe abord of all the Fleet and to search them having with us two Spanish Captaines likewise to accompany us In our search wee found more or lesse abord of every Ship some of the Spanyards provisions the which was carried by the sayd Ships-boats abord of the St. Augustine and the Crowne two of the Spanish ships But for the Anchors and Cables that wee had taken up that they Cut away in the Road those wee detayned abord untill farther Order from the Lord Admirall But wee would not suffer the Deal Pilots to meddle with any one of the Anchors At Night there came a Packet from the Lord Admirall that wee should not suffer any one to meddle with an Anchor or Wrack if they were so neare the shore as that a Horseman riding into the Sea at low water could reach it with his Launce or Speare and that wee should not meddle with any thing within that limit for that Priviledge did belong to the Lord Warden or to the Lords of the Manner Likewise there came another Packet for the Ships that were lately sent downe to returne to Chatham and the Ships which were sent from London to returne to London onely the Winter guard so there was none left but the Winter guard The next day Captaine Slingsby carried over the Spanish Master Delda Campo And the same day there came over Eight Dunkirke Sloopes who carried away foure hundred Souldiers that set sayle in the after-noone The next day all the Ships had their Warrants to take the first opportunity of wind and wether to returne from whence they came FINIS Animadversions by A. B. ENGLAND take heed thy Navy is not Right And discontented are thy men of Might Thy Ships are sluggish and for want of Dyet Thy best affected Sea-men are unquiet The Prizes which they take are fool'd away And for their Thirds the Sea-men have no Pay These are the Reasons why they move so sloe And doe no Service wheresoe're they goe The Resolution of A. B. THough J doe Row against the Tide and Wind And little Comfort in my Labours find J am resolv'd to Row whilst J can speake For ENGLANDS Good although my heart J breake ANDREWES BVRRELL FINIS