Bijdragen en Mededeelingen van het Historisch Genootschap. Deel 53

[p. 1]

Het journaal gehouden door Peter White, Master van Admiraal Penington, ter reede van Duins in den jare 1639,
Medegedeeld door
S.P. l'Honoré Naber
(met eene kaart).

Het extract-dagboek, waarin Peter White ervaringen aanteekende welke hij in de periode van den ‘Slag bij Duins’ opdeed als vlaggekapitein van Admiraal Penington (zelf noemde hij zich Master, dat is zoowat: officier van de navigatie), is hier te lande lang onbekend gebleven. Eerst Boxer vestigde in zijn ‘The Journal of Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp’¹⁾ de aandacht der belangstellenden op dit geschrift, dat den hoofdzakelijken inhoud vormt van een in 1649 bij T. Forcet te Londen verschenen pamflet. Het is zéér zeldzaam geworden, maar Boxer schonk mij een fotostaat van een in het British Museum berustend exemplaar, waarnaar de hier volgende tekst is afgedrukt.

Het is uitgegeven op naam van zekeren Andrewes Burrell, die eenig voorwerk en twee gedichten aan het slot heeft bijgevoegd. Het voorwerk is bestemd om de aandacht der lezers te vestigen op de tekortkomingen der Engelsche zeemacht, welke met onze Staatsche Vloot wordt vergeleken. Vreemd doet ons aan te ontwaren, dat die Staatsche vloot aan de Engelsche ten voorbeeld wordt gesteld. De uitgave van het journaal nu moet dienen om te betoogen, dat Tromp, in 1639, zijn land voortreffelijk

1) Cambridge, University Press, 1930.

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heeft gediend, maar toch vooral om te doen uitkomen hoe aanmatigend die Luitenant-Admiraal van Holland zich op de Engelsche reede heeft gedragen, hoezeer de Engelsche vloot te kort heeft moeten schieten waar het gold hem te weerstaan of in toom te houden. Een Register, dat onder het opschrift ‘A table shewing &c.’ op het voorwerk volgt, behelst eene samenvatting van de gevoelens die Burrell jegens Tromp bezielen; gevoelens niet ontbloot van eerbied, maar toch ingegeven door rechtmatige nationale spijtigheid.

Van Peter White, die het 52 bladzijden beslaande extract-journaal heeft geleverd, weten wij weinig. Blijkens het titelblad had hij het in 1649 gebracht tot ‘Master of Attendance in Englands Navie’, dat is tot de belangrijke functie van équipagemeester op eene werf van uitrusting. Zijn leeftijd kunnen wij niet schatten, maar, gelet op anderen, mogen wij wel gissen, dat hij in 1639 niet noemenswaard ouder dan 35 jaren is geweest. Zijn geschrift leert nog iets meer: hij was ijverig en vlug, schreef een nogal vlotten stijl, had die soort van gemakkelijkheid in den omgang welke met zekere gemoedelijke gemeenzaamheid mag worden beantwoord. Tromp zegt ‘Broer’ tegen hem en de barsche Witte Corneliszoon de With noemt hem, met eene toespeling op beider naam: ‘Neef’. Deze snakerij is vermoedelijk de eenige die op naam van De With is geboekstaafd.

Die gemakkelijkheid in den omgang is zeker wel aanleiding geweest voor Penington om bijna immer Peter White te gebruiken, als er iets met Tromp valt te overleggen. Voor besprekingen met de Spanjaarden wordt gewoonlijk Captain Slingsby afgezonden, die de Spaansche taal machtig is. De omgangstaal waarvan Tromp zich bedient is het zeemans-Engelsch, dat hij vloeiend weet te spreken. Immers, hij heeft niet voor niets van zijn elfde tot zijn veertiende jaar bij een Engelschen privateer moeten dienen! Misschien spreekt hij die taal wel een weinig te vloeiend, want eenmaal, als hij eens aardig heeft willen zijn (zie 30 Sept.), praat hij zich bijna vast en kan den ongunstigen indruk dien hij heeft gemaakt alleen uitwisschen door zich te beroepen, juist op zijn Engelsch, dat hij toch niet ‘very good’ en in elk geval met een Hollandschen draai (in a Dutch phrase) pleegt te spreken.

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Hoe noemt Peter White den Luitenant-Admiraal van Holland eigenlijk, Tromp of Van Tromp? White blijkt goed te zijn ingelicht, want als regel schrijft hij Tromp, soms ook Trump en enkele malen als bij wijze van schrijffout: Van Tromp. Hoe komen White en zijne landslieden toch aan die ons zoo onaangenaam klinkende naamsveranderingen? Het antwoord moet luiden, dat de Engelschen het hierin heelemaal niet mis hebben, dat zij alleen maar wat behoudender zijn dan wij. Tromp namelijk, had zich vroeger ‘Van’ en zelfs ‘Van der’ Tromp genoemd en laten noemen, iets wat ten onzent in het vergeetboek is geraakt. Op de grafzerk in de Groote Kerk te Rotterdam waaronder Tromps eerste en tweede echtgenooten zijn begraven, staat de naam tot driemaal toe uitgebeiteld. Onder de wapens op het midden van de zerk leest men Van Tromp, bij het grafschrift der in 1633 gestorvene staat Van der Tromp, en bij dat van de in 1639 overledene vindt men den naam voluit: Maerten Harpersz. Tromp¹⁾.

Dat Tromp en White immer goed met elkaar omgaan, ligt niet uitsluitend aan White's gemakkelijkheid van optreden, maar is nog ruim zoozeer een gevolg van Tromps doorzicht en menschenkennis. Tromp beseft ten volle hoe en in hoeverre hij den Engelschen ergernis geeft. Tromp beseft bovendien, dat het voor Peter White niet prettig is, zoo telkens en telkens weer bij hem aan boord te moeten komen met klachten en korzelige boodschappen. Tromp weet alle moeilijkheden te bezweren door zich welgemanierd te toonen. Goed bekend met de inzichten der Engelschen, poogt hij zelfs niet, ter reede van Duins, de natievlag achter op de schepen te toonen, waarmede hij den voornaamsten steen van aanstoot mijdt. De Spanjaarden daarentegen, die aanvankelijk wèl beproeven hun vlaggen te laten waaien, loopen gevaar van door Peningtons zwakke macht deswege te worden aangetast. Penington kàn trouwens dreigen, want hij doorziet wel, dat als hij een der beide partijen moet aantasten, de andere zich gaarne bij hem zal aansluiten. Tromp voegt zich steeds en onmiddellijk naar Peningtons wenschen,

1) Zie Rotterdamsche Historiebladen, III, 1871, p. 64 met afbeelding.

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vooral waar het betreft het aanwijzen van ankerplaatsen voor de schepen zijner vloot. Tromp stelt Peter White, of welk Engelsch officier ook die bij hem aan boord komt, terstond op zijn gemak, door, al is de boodschap nog zoo zuur, den inhoud voor te stellen als iets dat hem nu juist voldoening geeft en genoegen doet. Zoo op 22 Sept. als White hem komt verbieden de masten en de stengen, die de Spanjaarden uit Dover willen laten halen, te onderscheppen. Hoe verheugd toont zich dan Tromp, al krijgt hij de waarschuwing in den vorm van dat verbod. Tromp wil, in plaats van den Spanjaarden iets in den weg te leggen, die rondhouten wel voor hen laten halen en laten afleveren, ja, als hij den loop van zaken erdoor kan bespoedigen, welnu, dan wil hij nog veel verder meewerken; hij wil zijn eigen volk wel aan boord van de schepen der Spanjaarden zenden om die masten voor hen in te zetten, de stengen op te brengen! Hoe vriendelijk is Tromp op dienzelfden datum jegens Peter White, dien hij zegt te vertrouwen, ja te willen vertrouwen in veel gewichtiger zaken dan waarom het momenteel gaat. Hoe mooi weet Tromp eene uitnoodiging om bij Penington te komen tafelen, af te slaan met eene toespeling op zijn eigen voorganger Van Dorp, eene toespeling die Penington, als deze zijn geheugen maar wil raadplegen, beter dan iemand anders dient te begrijpen. En hoe reukeloos weet hij zich te houden als er een klacht inkomt over Evertsen, die, onder Engelsche vlag nog wel, twee schepen van onder het fort van Margate heeft laten weg halen; hij geeft dan goede woorden voor daden, hij eindigt zelfs met de Commissie, die de ernstige aanklacht is komen deponeeren, aan het lachen te krijgen met een keurig verhaal over Lord Conway, die den te verwachten strijd op zijn gemak wil komen bijwonen, die daarom Tromps eigen kajuit ter leen heeft gevraagd, een ledikant in die kajuit wenscht te laten opslaan en zoo voorts! Tromp is ook handig met uitvluchten. Men leze, hoe hij, als Evertsens handelingen te Margate niet langer kunnen worden verbloemd, zijn Vice-Admiraal disculpeert met eene verwijzing naar de Staten-Generaal, die reeds hunne tevredenheid hebben betuigd, zoodat hij, Tromp, nu ook niet meer bestraffend kan optreden zonder zijn Heeren Meesters ergernis te geven. Ook Penington verstaat zich zeer goed op de

[p. 5]

casuistiek; dat blijkt uit de overwegingen op grond waarvan hij, nà het groot gevecht, twee aangehouden Nederlandsche schepen vrij laat gaan, overtuigd daarmede 's Konings Dienst ten beste te betrachten. Wanneer Tromp, nà den slag, nog even op de reede van Duins terug keert, laat Penington hem weten, dat hij van de rompen der overgebleven Spaansche schepen behoort af te blijven, omdat de Engelschen die bodems al hebben gekocht. Tromp, die vermoedelijk de bedoeling heeft gehad ook deze schepen weg te halen, toont zich dan ineens weer verheugd over de hem gedane kennisgeving; hij is blij, omdat de Engelschen nu toch ook nog wat aan het zaakje hebben verdiend, blij zelfs omdat hij die schepen nu niet kan weg halen, iets waarmede hij den Engelschen grooter ergernis zou hebben gegeven, dan hij, alles bij elkaar genomen, hun tot dusver gegeven heeft!

Om kort te gaan: het dagboek van Peter White is vol van teekenachtige bijzonderheden, vooral aangaande Tromp. Talrijk zijn de ‘snapshots’ die ons hier worden aangeboden, talrijker gewis dan die onzer eigen literatuur. Van goede hoedanigheid zijn zij ook. Het dagboek toont ons den 42-jarigen, welbespraakten Tromp, slim, gevat, gewiekst, glad en secuur. Het doet ons Penington zien als een ernstig en vastberaden vlootvoogd, die, met kleine macht doch steunende op zijn goed recht, zoo eerlijk mogelijk de balans houdt tusschen de Nederlanders en de Spanjaarden, die hem gelijkelijk tot last zijn. Het doet ons eindelijk nog even De Oquendo zien, die, al talmende en al dralende, het toch zoover weet te brengen dat het doel zijner zending (te weten, het overbrengen van troepen naar Vlaanderen) zoo goed als geheel wordt bereikt, al moet hij zijn mannen, zijn vloot en het aanzien van de Spaansche monarchie aan die zending ten offer brengen¹⁾.

S.P.L'H.N.

1) Eene Nederlandsche vertaling van het ‘Journal’ verscheen in den loopenden jaargang van het tijdschrift Onze Vloot.

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AMEMORABLE SEA-FIGHT PENNED AND PRESERVED BY PETER WHITE ONE Of the IIII Masters of Attendance in ENGLANDS Navie.

(Never before now.)

Published for the good of Englands Common-wealth, By ANDREVVES BVRRELL. Gent.

OR

A Narrative of all the Principall Passages which were Trans-acted in the Downes, in the Year, 1639.

Betweene ANTONIO DE OQVENDO, Admirall of the Spanish Armado, And MARTIN VAN TROMP, Admirall for the States of Holland.

Wherein (by a Similarly illustration) Englands (present) sluggish Navie is proved to be Unserviceable, and in a like Condition with the Spanish Fleet.

When GOD ordaines his Lights to shine, There's little need of Thine or Mine.

LONDON, Printed by T. Forcet, (Septem. 4 1649.) dwelling in Old Fish street.

[p. 7]

To the right honovrable,
The Councell of State for England and Ireland.
Andrewes Burrell, Gent.

Humbly presents this insuing Narative or Journall, of all the Memorable Passages which were acted in the Downes, when the great Fleet of Spanyards were vanquished by the Hollanders, in the Year, 1639.

Right Honourable:

It is now more then five yeares, since I first Complained of the sluggish and unserviceable condition of Englands Navie. In which Time there hath been wasted - - by Mr. Greenes Accompt - - to guard the Seas, - - as he calls it - - Seventeen hundred seventy five Thousand, 600 and 10 Pounds, or thereabouts. But the Seas are not Guarded, and which is worse, the Honour of the Seas is lost and shamefully lost. The truth is for want of Victuall and other due Incouragements - - that is, for want of their Thirds, allowed them by an Ordinance of Parliament - - the Sea-men are generally disheartned, they are so discouraged, that many of them are already revolted from the Parliament, and some of those which are yet to bee proved, are to my knowledge desperately affected, and I feare in time will-prove dangerous Malignants to the Peace and safety of Englands Commonwealth.

It therfore concerns your Honors, in due time to examine and punish those bold Practitioners, which have wilfully and desperately occasioned that Distraction which is now predominant amongst the Sea-men; even to the hazzard of the present State and future Peace of Englands Common-wealth.

But leaving them.

I humbly desire to shew your Honours, that Englands great sluggish Ships, are not serviceable in Englands despicable Navie.

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To this purpose, I am humbly bold to revive, and present your Honours, with that Great and Memorable service which happened in the Downes in the yeare. 1639.

It is directed to your Honours, in regard of that great and Royall trust, which the Parliament at this time reposeth in you for the good and safety of Englands Common-wealth.

It serveth also as a Memento for Englands Sea-Commanders, when any great Imployment shall hereafter happen, like that at the Gorey in Holland¹⁾.

It is an exact Accompt of that Memorable Service, which Martin van Tromp performed in the Road which is called the Downes, when the five great Admirals of Spayne, Portugall, Sivill, Naples, and Dunkerk, with an Armado of Three score and six great Ships - - fortifyed with one Thousand, nine hunderd Twenty and foure Peeces of Ordnance; and besides the Sea-men, Ten thousand Land-men - - were vanquished and destroyed.

This Journall shewes You, how those great Ships were Incountred, dissipated, and destroyed by the Hollanders, though Englands Royall Navie endeavoured seriously to protect and defend them.

With these Spectacles you may see cleerly, that Great sluggish Ships, mann'd with Land-men, are not serviceable for this State.

That fleet of Spanish Ships, was much greater in Number, Tonnes, Men and Ordnance, then Englands Navie is, or ever was, but Maugre their Greatnesse, and Number. That Fleet was Incountred, and in a few houres, scattered and Confounded by the Hollanders, in their small Ships; for excepting some few, which of late yeares they have fondly framed in Imitation of the English Navie, - - that is, for Countenance - - All their Men of war, are small Ships, and doe carry but one Tyre of Ordnance²⁾.

I say in few houres, they so confounded the Great Spanish Ships, that scarce one of ten Returned into Spayne.

1) Goeree (met Hellevoetsluis).

2) Tyre of ordnance: een laag stukken (kanonnen).

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In this Great and memorable Fight, some of the Spanish Ships were Burnt, some were Sunck, and some were taken. The rest runne a-shore, or runne away; and in their flight the great Great Admirall of Portugall, having 1100 Men, and 70 Pieces of Ordnance, was in part Blowne up, and her remaines burnt to Ashes; shee was not able to defend her selfe, much lesse to offend others.

If you compare the Spanish Armado, which came into England, in the yeare 1639. To that which came against England, in the yeare 1588. Your Honours, will find many Ships in Oquendoes fleet, of farre Greater force, then any of the Galeons, or Galleasses, which were so much admired by the Spanyards, - - and by some fooles in England - - when their Invincible Armado was Honourably Incountred, and put to flight.

Here followeth a Comparison by an Antiparalell discovering the difference of Two famous Sea-fights, &c. Viz.

When the English Navie first encountred the Spanish Armado in the yeare 1588. The English Navie consisted of 23 great Ships, and 37 small Ships.	When the Spanish Armado first encountred Englands Navie in the yeare 1588. The Spanish Armado consisted of 91 great Ships. 4 Galleasses, and 59 small Ships.
When Van Tromp first encountred Don Antonio de Oquendo, in the yeare 1639. His Fleet consisted of 17 Ships and Frigats, and there was but 3 of the 17 which carried two Tyres of Ordnance, all the rest were Ships of the fourth ranke in Englands Navie, or Ships of lesse force.	When Don Antonio de Oquendo first encountred Van Tromp, His Fleet consisted of 66 great Ships, fortified with One thousand, nine hundred twenty and foure Pieces of Ordnance. And besides his Sea-men, hee had Ten thousand Land-men in his Fleet.

Here note, Than when Van Tromp did first fight with the Spanyards, it was upon a Retreat - - as I may call

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it - - which hee durst not attempt untill he had tryed what his Ships would doe for him; That is, hee durst not fight with them untill he knew by experience, that his Ships were nimbler then the Spanish Ships; So that if hee were worsted, he might run from them, as indeed hee did, when he stayed for the 9. Ships which were at Dunkirk, which Ships soone after came to him in the Night, as you have it in the 5. page of this Journall.

Here you see, that nimble Ships are the Ships which must performe the desired service.

In the last and greatest Fight which was in the yeare 1588. The Spanish Armado consisted of One hundred 48 Ships.	In the last and greatest Fight which was in the yeare 1588. Englands two Fleets being met, consisted of One hunderd and 30 Ships.
In the story of 88. The foure Galleasses are much admired, because each of them carryed fifty Pieces of Ordnance.	In Oquendoes Fleet, two of the five Admirals, carried 136 Pieces of Ordnance, which according to Proportion did much exceed the Galleasses.
In 88. There was but 64 Galleons, 4 Galleasses, and 23 great Hulkes; all the rest were Petaches, Carrovels, and Victuallers, which were of so small force, that in the Story there is no mention of any service done by them.	In 39. There was Sixty sixe great Ships, fortefied with Ninety five Pieces of Ordnance, more then all the Galleons did carry in 1588. and they were the strength of that Armado.
In 88. There was but one Galleasse, and one other Ship fired a-shore in all the Fight.	In 39. There was 26 great Ships forc't a-shore, whereof the Vice-Admirall of Spaine, with 56 Pieces of Ordnance was one.
In 88. There was but 6. considerable Ships taken.	In 39. There was 12 considerable Ships taken.
In 88. There was not one Ship burnt.	In 39. There was eight great Ships burnt.

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In 88. There was not one Ship blowne up.	In 39. The great Admirall of Portugall with a 1100 Men and seventy Pieces of Ordnance was blowne up.
In 88. There was not one English ship lost.	In 39. Van Tromp did loose one of his greatest Ships.
In 88. The English and Hollanders fought against the Spanyards.	In 39. The English and Spanyards fought against Van Tromp.

This memorable Service was performed by Martin Van Tromp, Admirall for the States of Holland, in the yeare 1639. The Fight was maintained valiantly by the Dutch, and give the Divell his due; some of the Spanyards deserved no lesse Commendation.

It had been good sport to have seene the Scuffle; But Neptune with a Myst so blinded them, That the Affront which was then cast upon the English Nation, was therein, not only hid, but Buryed, and is no farther mentioned,

by

Your Honours, most humble Orator,

ANDREWES BURRELL.

A table shewing
Viz.

That Oquendoe's Fleet consisted of Sixty six great Ships.	p. 16.
That besides the Sea-men and Souldiers, Oquendo had 10000 Land-men in his Ships.	p. 16.
That three of Oquendoes Ships were fortified with an 192 Pieces of Ordnance.	p. 16.
That Van Tromp did Fight with Oquendoes Armado when hee had but 17 Ships in his Fleet, and some of them very slight Men of warre.	p. 17.
That in the first Fight Van Tromp lost one of his greatest Ships, fortified with 36 Pieces of Ordnance.	p. 17.

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At the beginning of the last great Fight.
That Van Tromps Fleet consisted of 131 Ships. Of which Number 30 were commanded to attend the English Fleet. Twelve were Victuallers, and 16 were Fireships. So that Van Tromp encountred Oquendo with 73 small Ships; for there was not many of them that carried two Tyres of Ordnance.	p. 49.
That Van Tromp had 1000 Land Souldiers in his Ships, which was too many by 999.	p. 26.
That one of Van Tromps Captaines by Van Tromps Commandement did fetch Oquendoes Top-masts from Dover, being a rare Example.	p. 36.
That Van Tromp would not bee Intreated to foole away his time in Feasting.	p. 34.
That one of Van Tromps Pinnesses wearing Englands Colours, did take and carry into Holland, two English Vessels laden with Souldiers, when they were lying under the Fort at Marget.	p. 35.
That one of Van Tromps Fleet, searched, and rifled the Kings Packet-Boat, and when Sir John Penington complained of it, Van Tromp gave him a baffling Answer not worth the writing.	p. 41.
That Van Tromp did offer to give Oquendo 500 Barrels of Powder to goe out of the Road, which was an Argument of great Valour, joyned with a large Commission.	p. 44.
That Van Tromp Promised Sir John Penington, not to shoot one shot at his Enemies, before hee gave him notice thereof by a Letter.	p. 39
That in stead of a timely warning, when the Fight should begin, there were whole Broad-sides fired without number, before the large Letter written in Dutch, came to Sir John Peningtons hands.	p. 52.
That when the Hollanders chased the Spanyards, the English Fleet chased the Hollanders. And the more the English Fleet chased the Hollanders, the farther they were from them.	p. 53.
This last Report is very remarkable, it is of a greater Concernment then all the Passages in this booke; By it you may know, that Englands Navie is Contemptable, and must come behind.

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That the great Ships which were prepared at London and Chatham, to ayd Sir John Penington, were so long Wind-bound, that the Fight was ended three dayes before they came into the Downes. This mischiefe is usuall, and therefore very considerable.	p. 60.
That in all the Fights which were betwixt the Hollanders and the Spanyards, the Hollanders were to Windward of the Spanyards; which is the greatest Advantage that any Ship can have of her Adversary.	p. 52.
That when the last great Fight began, Thirty of the Hollanders were to Windward of the English Fleet, which in my opinion was a high Presumption. But when the English Shot at them they did not returne one shot, which Honour is since layd aside, with the Expence of Two Millions, Foure hundred eighty five Thousand eight hundred fifty foure Pounds or thereabouts.	p. 53.
The Conclusion of these Observations is, That Van Tromp violated his Promise in falling upon Oquendoes Fleet in the Kings Road. Hee did not keepe his Promise with Sir Iohn Penington; For which affront, it had been equall and just, that Englands Admirall should have taken the same Liberty when hee was with the Parliaments Ships, at the Gorey in Holland^1). But no more of That.

1) Goeree en Hellevoetsluis.

A Iovrnal
or,
Narrative, of all the principall Passages which hapned in the Downes in the yeare 1639.
Faithfully penned and preserved,
By Peter White, Then Master of the English Admirall.

The 8th of February 1638²⁾. There came from under

2) Lees: 1639. De data zijn naar ouden stijl, dus 10 etm. ten achteren.

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the Fort at Mardick¹⁾ neare Dunkirk, 12 sayle of the King of Spaynes men of Warre, having in their Company sixe other ships called Floyts²⁾, full of Soldiers bound for the Groyne³⁾ in Biskay, the wind was at E.S.E. when they set sayl out of the Splinter⁴⁾, which was about 8. in the morning, at the same time there was 16. sayle of Hollanders riding in Dunkirk Road, under the Command of Heare⁵⁾ Martyn hartezan van Tromp. They likewise set sayle and run to the Westwards between the Brakes⁶⁾ and Splinter before the Dunkirkers, and did attend their coming out between Graveling⁷⁾ and Mardick-hoock, and as soon as they came within shot one of the other, the Fight began and continued for 4. houres a very sore fight, in so much that Admirall Tromp was forced twice to carreen and stop his leakes, the water being smooth and very little wind, and the tyde of ebbe being spent, about noone the wind shifting westerly the Dunkirkers bore roome again for succour under Mardick-fort, and the Hollanders after them; still in fight one with the other, the Viceadmirall of Dunkirk the Hollanders did take; for as report went she had lost the use of her steeridge, her rutherhead being shot. But as I conceive it was for want of good Pilotage, and being in that distraction shee ran aground upon the wester Tayle of the Splinter, and fearing that the Hollanders might come and take out her Provisions, they set her on fire, and so burnt her and all her provisions, not saving so much as her sayles that were at the Yards.

The next day some of the Hollands fleet were forced to goe for Flushing, to repaire the damage that they had received in the fight, and carried their Prize with them, and their Men that were hurt and maimed in the Fleet;

1) Mardijk, beWesten Duinkerken.

2) Fluiten, fluitschepen.

3) La Corunha.

4) Van achter den Splinter, uit het Scheur (de binnenreede van Duinkerken). Splinter is vrijwel hetzelfde als de Vuilbaard-bank.

5) Heer.

6) Brake-bank, een der buitenbanken voor Duinkerken.

7) Grevelingen.

[p. 15]

for it was a bloody fight, the Sea being very smooth and little wind, so that almost every shot tooke place. By report from Dunkirk there was above 400 men slaine and hurt amongst them in that Fight. The next day the Hollands fleet lay looking out for them between Calice and Dover, but the Dunkirkers could not fit themselves so sodainly; for they could not incounter or recover that Fleet, untill the beginning of March, and then the wind came faire but thick misty weather, wherby they scaped cleere from the Hollanders and got safely to their Port being the Groyne in Biskay, where there was a very great Fleet of Spanyards making ready to come for Flanders, unto whom the Dunkirkers reported the passages of their bloody Fight which they had with the Hollanders, as is formerly described; But the Spanyards according to their natures, 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 Pitchellinggos¹⁾ 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 Dunkirkers - - very Scoundrels.

The which was taken very much to heart by the Dunkirkers, 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

1) Spaansche wanvorm van ‘Vlissingers’?

[p. 16]

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 Islands¹⁾, 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, 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, thwart of Arundell, The Hollander discryed them being right to Leeward off them²⁾, 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

1) De Azorische en de Canarische eilanden.

2) Peter White heeft dit alles niet bijgewoond. Zijne voorstelling klopt dan ook niet best met die van Tromp.

[p. 17]

it up close upon a wind, and as they came neare 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 Spanish 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 Ordnance¹⁾.

Likewise after this another mischance 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, 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

1) De Groote Christoffel, Schipper Frederick Pietersz. Hovelinck.

[p. 18]

⁺ a Frigot presently to call 9 other of their fleet from Dunkirk road, 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, 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 Mannering¹⁾ Vice-admirall unto Sir John Pennington with 6. of his Majesties ships that were to lye between Beachy and the Ness²⁾, espying⁺ this great Fleet, bore into the fleet, and having a Councell aboard the Vice admirall, agreed to send Captain John Hall aboard of the Spanish Admirall, to command him to strike his Flag, who was courteously 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 conference 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. Upon 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

+ September, 1639.

+ 5.th

1) Sir Henry Mainwaring.

2) Beachy Head en Dungeness.

+ 6.th

[p. 19]

which our Vice-admirall bore for the Downes, and the Spanish fleet steer'd along to the Eastwards, very little⁺ wind Southerly, 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, that it was a wonder to those that heard and saw them.

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

+ 7.th

+ 8.th Sunday.

[p. 20]

her head to the westward, with her mayn-yard shot downe, and her mayn-top-sayle stroke; which Ship was taken by Capt. Forran¹⁾, 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 fleet²⁾, - - as the Englishmen 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

1) Forant, een Franschman in Staatschen dienst.

2) Witte Corneliszoon de With.

[p. 21]

a Ship to sinke; and then hee stood for Calice to supply himselfe with Powder.

⁺ 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, the which the Admirall would not give way unto, and the flood being come they could not fetch over unto the French coast, 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 John Penington, were the Unicorne Admirall, the Henretta Maria Vice-admirall, commanded by Sir Henry Mannering, the Antolope by Captain Stradling Rere-admirall, the Bonaventure by Captain Richard Feelding, the Dreadnaught by Capt. Iohn Hall, the Providence by Captain Rob. Slingsby, the second Whelp¹⁾ by Capt. Iohn Burley, the 3. Whelp by Capt. Philip Hill, the Roe-buck Pinness by Mr. Wollard, the Unicorne a Marchant man by Capt. Edw. Popham, with some other Merchant men, wich were in the Downs at that time.

Sir John 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 courteously entertained, and delivered their message; to which the Spanyards replyed as they had formerly done unto our Vice-admirall, viz. That they did except 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

+ 8.th Sunday.

1) Er bestond een klasse van tien schepen genaamd Lion's Whelps. Verg. Boxer p. 190.

[p. 22]

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, 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 John 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.⁺ Unto which purpose hee gave me Order at daylight in the morning, 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 loose 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; to the

+ September, 1639.

+ Munday, 9.

[p. 23]

which I made no answer having to Spanish, but put the naile of my thumb to my teeth and gave a snap, and said; Nath o pro ell skeetoe, bessee Lee pavilyon, otterman notter naverros, som preat a venne¹⁾; 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 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 perceiving 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,⁺ 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, if hee did not remove, and assured them that

1) Deze lingua franca zal zoowat beduiden: ‘Nothing por escrito, baissez les pavillons, autrement notres navires sont prêts à venir.’

+ Munday, 9.

[p. 24]

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. 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 Northumberland¹⁾ 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 Rere-admirall, 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 Spanyards might run away in the night, to the which Sir Iohn made answer, that the Channels were narrow and the nights darke; so that hee was verily perswaded they could not, nor would not put it to such a hazard as to goe that way, yet he sayd, that if so be that they did doubt of any such thing, they might if they pleased send some of their Ships to ride to the Northwards in the mouth of the Gualls, and likewise at the inner Channell, betweene the Brakes and Quearns²⁾, and at the North sands head; but

+ Tuesday, 10.

1) De Lord High Admiral, Peningtons rechtstreeksche chef.

+ Wednesday, 11.

2) De naam Brake komt nog op moderne kaarten voor, bij eene ondiepte bezuiden Ramsgate. In Waghenaer's Atlas van 1583 is de Querns (de tekst heeft Querus) een van den wal afstekende bank.

[p. 25]

to ride to the northwards of them in the Road, hee would by no meanes condiscend unto it, with which answer they return'd, but did not send any Ships to the Northwards as aforesaid. Towards night the Marquis Hamilton, the Earle of Denby, and Mr. Indimeon Porter and others, came from London abord of Sir John and lodg'd there all the night, the wind at W.S.W.

At day light in the morning the wind continuing, wee did misse 13, or 14 sayle of the small Spanish ships that rode to the Northward of us, the which did trouble Sir⁺ Iohn Penington exceedingly; after noone the Lord Marquis and his Brother, with the Earle of Denby rode away for London, the Hollanders sent abord unto Sir Iohn, to desire leave that they might ride to the northwards of the Spanyards, the which he presently granted, with an expression of sorrowfulnesse; that the Spanyards had made such an escape. 14 Sayle of them past by us and saluted us, and birtht themselves to the best advantage to the northwards of the Fleet within lesse then musket shot of the Spanyards.

In the morning by sun rising divers of the Rere-admirals of the Spanish fleet put out their Flags it being one of their Holidayes, but wee shot a faire shot at the next Ship to us, and presently they took in all their Flags; after which the Exchange Capt. Wil. Browne, and the Peregrene, Peter Tatom of London Mr. and the Assur of Ipswich, Isaac Bromwell Mr. and 5. other English ships came into the Downes, with 2000 Spanish souldiers in them, the which they should have carried unto Dunkirk, the wind at W.S.W. faire weather. They were no sooner at an anchor, but the Hollanders sent abord to Sir Iohn to complaine of their comming into the rode. Our Admirall sent me presently to stay them all until they had order from him to depart, and he presently⁺ wrote a Packet up to the Lord Admirall for directions therein; after noone the Admirall of the Spanyards sent unto Admirall Penington, to desire him to stay the Hollanders in the Rode two tydes after hee was gone with his Fleet, who answered, that he could not doe the Hollanders that injustice, but did advice them to make all the speed that they could and get into Flanders before the winds came Easterly, otherwaies they would have

+ Thursday, 12.

+ Friday, 13.

[p. 26]

more enemies come out of Holland then they did expect.

The wind then blew stiffe at S.W. by W. and at night westerly, and so continued all night, and all the day following; this day Sir Iohn sent to invite Admirall Tromp to dinner with him to morrow, the which hee modestly denied, desiring excuse - - for his businesse was very great that hee was to looke after - -. Towards night the⁺ wind southered and likely to prove foule weather, which caused me to doubt of the safety of the Spanyards, they riding so thick and being very badly fitted with groundtackle. Amongst other discourse with Admirall Tromp, he said, that if the weather should storme up, as it doth usually at this time of the yeare, within short time the King of England would have all the Spanyards Guns; the Countrey peeple would have the Ships, and the Divell would have the men. Meaning that they would all drive a shore if not worse. As yet, the 8. English ships with the Souldiers for the most part rode amongst the Hollanders; Sir Iohn Penington sent to them to Command them to birth themselves to the Northwards of the Spanyards, but some of them could not wey their anchors, their men were so feeble with sicknesse, and indeed there was many⁺ Sea-men sick in all the Spanish fleet. This day came the second Whelp from Dunkirk, and Capt. Burley certified our Admirall, that there was 13. sayle of the Spanish fleet arived there with 3000 men. These were the Ships that ran away to the Northwards in the night which are formerly mentioned, the wind being all this day between⁺ the SE, and S.SE. which caused the Hollanders to rejoyce, for with those winds they did expect more ayd. Towards day-light on Munday, the wind backt againe to S.S.W. and Three small Hollands men of War came in, who were part of a Fleet of 20 sayle, most of them great ships, who had amongst them besides their Seamen 1000 choise Souldiers to be put into these ships that were heere; which Fleet came all in that night, and the next morning they being now 50 sayle, and the Spanyards as many.

Before day there came a Packet to our Admirall, wherein the Lord Admirall sent word, that divers of his Majestis ships were fitting up at Chatham, and 6 Merchant ships at London, and would very suddenly bee

+ Saturday, 14.

+ Sunday, 15.

+ Munday, 16.

[p. 27]

downe with him, in the meane time, hee gave him order, to stay all the English ships that were in the Road, and all that should come into the road - - either outwards or homewards bound - - to assist him if any occasion should be for it. Upon which our Admirall gave me a warrant to stay all the English in the road if they had 12 Pieces of Ordnance or upwards, and I found but 10 of that force, the names whereof, and the Commanders names were as followeth, viz.

The William and Ralph, lames Flawes Mr. having 18 Pieces of Ordnance, From Zant.

The Hope of London, William Iope Mr. with 16 Pieces of Ordnance, bound to Plimouth. } All 4 bound for Plimouth to load Pilchers.

The Anne Bonaventure of London, William Spencer Mr. 24. Pieces of Ordnance. } All 4 bound for Plimouth to load Pilchers.

The Speedwell of London, Benjamin Peters Mr. with 25 Pieces of Ordnance. } All 4 bound for Plimouth to load Pilchers.

The Iohn and Thomas of London, Diggory Man Mr. with 22 Pieces of Ordnance. } All 4 bound for Plimouth to load Pilchers.

Thomas Clarke Mr. of the Leopard of London, with 20 Pieces of Ordnance, bound to Maligo.

Iohn Flowers Mr. of the Dorset of London, with 18 Pieces of Ordnance, bound for Summer Islands.

Iohn Black Mr. of the Golden Eagle of London, with 22 Pieces, bound for Barbary.

Richard Deane Mr. of the Mary of London, with 16 Pieces of Ordnance, bound for the Canaries.

The Martha of London, Tho: Williams Mr. with 15 Pieces of Ordnance, bound for St. Lukar.

All these Masters I commanded to bee ready to assist the Admirall to the uttermost of their power, if any occasion should present it selfe by any Fight between⁺ the Hollanders and Spanyards. This day there came a Packet from the Lord Admirall to our Admirall, wherein was mentioned that the Dutch Embassador, upon a letter that he had received from Admirall Tromp, made a complaint of our Admirall, that he should say unto Capt. Cats Rere-admirall of the Hollanders, and some other Captaines, that hee sent abord unto Sir Iohn, to desire leave that some of his Ships might ride to the northwards of the Spanyards, as is before mentioned the 11.th day, That hee would ingage his head that the Spanish ships could

+ Tuesday, 17.

[p. 28]

not nor should not goe to the Northwards in the night; otherwaies he would have sent ships to the Northward to look unto them, the which did trouble our Admirall exceedingly. And the next day in the morning, hee sent Captain Richard Fielding, Capt. Robert Slingsby, Capt. Edward Popham, and my selfe, abord of the Hollands Admirall, to justifie that our Admirall did never ingage himselfe unto Capt. Cats and the other Captain, that the Spanyards should not goe out to the Northwards in the night; for wee did all of us heare all the Conference that past between our Admirall and Capt. Cats, and we gave him to understand that our Admirall did not take it well from him, that hee should write such falsities of him unto⁺ their Embassadour. To the which Admirall Tromp answered, that he had writ nothing but what his Rereadmirall Capt. Cats had related unto him; which was, that Sir Iohn Penington did say, that hee would ingage his head that the Spanish ships could not nor should not goe out in the Night. But Capt. Cats being there present, denied in secret unto us that he never mentioned, should not, but that his Admirall had added that unto the message that he brought him, and as I conceived thereby the better to cleer himself from his neglect of sending some ships to Ride in the Chanells to the Northwards as aforesaid; But Cats durst not openly deny it, for then he should have given his Admirall the lye: so the fault was wholly laid upon Capt. Cats, with the which answer we returned. Afterward I was sent again single aboard of Admirall Tromp as it were to give him a visit by my self, and to have an hour or two conference together, to which he had divers times invited me familiarly & called me brother, hoping thereby to get something out of him being single more then we could when there was more company with him. But I could not learn from him, that he had as yet received any other instructions from the States then his generall instructions; albeit that he had divers times writ unto them for some other instructions, what he should doe in this particular businesse; But as yet could hear of any, only that they did leave all to his discretion, which did much trouble him - - for saith he - - if so be that the Spanyards should begin to stir from thence, if he did not begin with them before they were

+ Wednesd. 18.

[p. 29]

wholly out of the Road when they came abroad many of them if it were a gail of winde would escape them; and again on the contrary if so be that he should begin with them in the Road, then he doubted that we would take part with the Spanyards, whereby a breach might be made between his Majestie and the States of Holland, which would not easily be reconciled, if so be that the States should allow and support him in what he should do in this kinde.

But he doubted that rather then the States would have any difference with his Majesty they would leave him to the mercy of the King, and then said he it may be that I may be hanged for my good service. Wherefore he resolved not to begin nor do any thing in the Road unlesse they gave him warrant for it; also in our discourse he demanded of me how many ships we had of the Kings and Marchant-men that we had taken up in the Road? I answered that we were four or five and twenty Sayle: well said he, you are so many, and the Spanyards are 50 Sayle, and we are - - said he - - of our Fleet 50 Sayle, I would you were all enemies, and had freedome to fight in the Road: to which I replied, that if the Spanyards were all man'd with Englishmen, and I had the command of them, we would beat them out of the Sea; unto which he replied you do mistake me, I do mean that I would that your Fleet were away, and so many Spanyards in your place, mane'd with their own Nation, and then he would not fear to buckle with them all.

After this I had order to take up all the small English ships that had Ordnance in the Road, and to give them order to put out pendants. One half I appointed for the Admirall and the other half for the Vice-admiralls squadron¹⁾, the winde towards night at S.S.E. and S.E. by S. and began blow hard, and about 3 a clock in the morning very much winde; so that divers of the Spanyards drove and brought all their anchors ahead, one of them drove thwart a Genawesses halss and put her from her anchors and Cables, who drove a shore right against the Beacon that stands amongst the sandhills; but it being almost a quarter ebb before she drove a shore, and being a strong

1) Dat van Mainwaring.

[p. 30]

ship the water fell from her so fast that he took no hurt that tyde, and before the flood came again the winde Westward and proved faire weather; so that the Sea was very smooth, and when she fleeted set sayle having one anchor and Cable brought her from one of the Pilots of Deal, and anchored amongst the Hollanders. This day there came a packet from the Lord Admirall, with order to our Admirall to stay five vessels, that it seems had taken upon them to carry over all the Spanyards to Dunkirk that were brought in the English ships, and the⁺ names of the Masters of these Barks, viz. were as followeth, Richard Gilbert, Henry Read, Hugh Lawes, and Richard Tattom, and William Williams; to which purpose Sir Iohn Penington gave me a warrant and command to search diligently amongst the Fleet for these Masters, and vessels, which order I shewed unto Admirall Tromp, the which did cause him to rejoyce exceedingly to see that his Majestie was so just in his carriage between them and the Spanyards; and said that by his next he would make it known unto his Masters the States.

All that after-noone and the next morning I searched for these Vessells, and went abord of all the small Vessels in the Road, but could not find any Souldiers abord of any of them, and likewise forwarned all of them in the Kings name that they should not take in any Spanish Souldiers to transport them for Flanders, and amongst these Vessels by inquiry, I was certified that Thomas⁺ Gilbert, and Hugh Lawes, 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

+ Thursday 19th.

+ 20th. Friday.

[p. 31]

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, which ship I likewise stayed by warrant.

⁺ After-noone our Admirall sent Captaine Robert Slingsby, & 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, 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 ships, 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 Farrow¹⁾ in Portugall, which ships were likewise staid by

+ 21. Saturday.

1) Vermoedelijk is Ferrol (Galicië) bedoeld.

[p. 32]

⁺ Sir Iohns order; after-noone 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 woud fetch them from Dover for them, 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 a occasion should present it self. In the morning the wind 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, 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

+ 22. Sunday.

+ 23. Munday.

[p. 33]

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 bravado, 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 Admirall 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; 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 something angry, and sent Sir Henry Mannering his Vice-admirall, and Captaine Popham and me abord of the Dutch Admirall 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 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 London, Peter Tattom Mr.⁺ with 17 Pieces of Ordnance, and the Assurance of London, Isaac Bromwell Mr. with 18 Pieces of Ordnance, in

+ 24th. Tuesday.

+ 25th. Wednesday.

[p. 34]

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 formerly mentioned, and that they were all ready to set sayle, nothing wanting but a wind to bring them to us; the wind being still Easterly, in the morning Sir Iohn sent me abord of Admirall Trump to invite him to dinner but he desired to be excused, for two reasons, 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, much-lesse three houres which is but a usuall time for a dinner; secondly he said that he had a great many of clownish Boars amongst his Captains, that neither understood civillity nor manners, and that⁺ they would be ready to make 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 Grave Van Dorp, 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 Admirality for the Sinke Ports¹⁾, 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 Jack on the Bolspit, being of his Majesties Colours, and an Ancient on his poop of English

+ 26th. Thursday.

1) Cinque Ports.

[p. 35]

Colours; This Frigat took two Catches¹⁾ full of Spanish Soldiers that rode at anchor close by the Peer-head, upon which Mr. Smith my Lord Wardens officer, went abord of the Frigat, 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 signe to the Fort who shot presently at them, and shot the Hollander through: yet he ran thence with the two Catches and carried them cleere away; Sir Iohn hearing this relation⁺ was exceedingly vext at it, & 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 likewise for saying that he did it by our Admiralls 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,

1) Ketches. Ndl. kitsen: kleine vaartuigen.

+ 26 Thursday.

[p. 36]

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 Cookrooms 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, 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, for which service the Spanish Admirall sent the Captaine of the Frigot a Butt of Sack¹⁾. 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, 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 Souldiers 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

+ Thursday 26th.

1) Een boot (Sp. botijo) Sherry: een dame-jeanne.

+ 27th. Friday.

[p. 37]

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 Billander¹⁾ 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 Butt 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 his Fleet. 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

1) Eng. Bilander, Fr. Bélandre, Ned. Bijlander: een kustvaartuig.

+ 28th. Saturday.

[p. 38]

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 force-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

[p. 39]

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, 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, 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 hearty thanks, but withall did complaine of a Hollands Frigot, that was amongst their Fleet yesterday towards night, and they fearing her to be a Fier-ship shot a Musket at her, and demanded whether they would lay him abord or no, to which the Hollanders replyed, that he would be abord of him in the morning. Upon which Sir Iohn sent me abord of the Hollanders, to inquire wherefore he should threaten to be aboard the Spaniards in the morning.

I was no sooner come into the Cabbin, to Admiral Tromp, but he began to complaine of that very busines, saying, that he and his Vice-Admiral, and some other of his Captains, before Sun-setting

The last night, went in one of his Frigots to view the strength of the Spanish Fleet, and as they past amongst them, one ship shot a Musket shot through the Frigots Missen¹⁾, not far above his Head and his other Captains,

+ Sunday 29th.

1) Mizen: bezaan.

[p. 40]

upon which saith he, I sent one of my Captains in my shallop abord of the Spaniard, and at his Ships side, told the Captaine that he had broken the liberty of his Majesty of Englands Road, by shooting at him, and with all threatned that upon that Breach, they would be abord of them in the morning, but said he, I did it but to scare them, for he never had any such intent, for he would not as he had divers times promised, attempt any thing upon them, without giving our Admirall notice thereof, and said, then he hoped that he would doe his best for us, to the which, I demanded whether that he meant his best and his worst against them, he answered me God forbid⁺ that I should say so; for that were a kinde of challenging the King of England in his owne Road, I pray you said he mistake not my meaning, for my English is not very good, and I speak in our Dutch phrase, to doe the best for us, my meaning was that you would shoote over us, and not to hit us; to which I replyed, that his meaning was otherwise interpreted yesterday, by our Vice-admirall, for they understood it as a challenge, that we should doe our best and our worst, and as I thought our Admirall had sent up a packet of it unto his Majesty, or the Lord Admiral, upon which he did vow and protest that he did never mean any such thing, and the Dutch Audient¹⁾ of Callis, that was abord with him, did averre the same; with which Message I returned, but Admirall Tromp was very much perplexed at it, and desired the Audient above said, and some other Gentlemen and Captains that he had abord with him, for to come abord unto our Admiral, to clear that aspersion which was laid upon him, the which they performed, and gave Sir Iohn very good satisfaction therein, and did according to their request send up an other packet to cleare this mistake, or misconstruction of his words. After noone the Lord of Suffolk being Lord Warden of the sinck Ports, came to our ships side, and afterwards Rowed round about all the Fleet, and returned to Dover, the Winde still continuing Easterly, by which meanes those Ships that we expected from London, and Chatham could not come unto us.

+ 30th. Monday,

1) ‘Agent’.

[p. 41]

October 1639.

In the morning the wind at E.b.N. Don Carolus¹⁾ sent one of his Captains abord unto Sir Iohn to complain that his Sattee²⁾ was taken out of the Road last night, Sir Iohn answered him, that the fault was their owne, for to Ride with such as small Vessell so far from their Fleet; for an Adviser as he conceived should ride closse by the Admiral; and likewise said that he could not look after every one of their Vessels, yet thus much he would doe for them, if they could heare that she were put into any Harbour in England he would be a meanes that she should be stayed, and kept for them.

Before noone the Earle of Holland and divers other Lords came abord, and dined with Sir Iohn; Sir Iohn was advertised from Dover, that one of the Hollands Fleet had searched and rifled his Majesties Packet Boat, but could not name the Captaine that did it, Sir Iohn sent presently unto the Hollands Admiral, to know how they durst presume to do it, who did utterly disclaim it,⁺ and presently gave it under his Hand, that he had given strict order unto all his Fleet in general that no man should interrupt, or medle with the Packet-boat, and that if so be that we could bring him the Captains name, we should see that he would severly punish him, with which answer return'd, after dinner the Lords went all abord of the Dutch Admiral, who entertained them with 11. pieces of Ordnance, & gave them 21. pieces of Ordnance at their parting from him, after that they went aboard of Don Lopus de Oquendo, and had some short conference with him, and when they parted from their ships, the chief Admiral gave them seaven pieces of Ordnance, and the other nine Pieces.

Afternoone Mr. Vandewalle and Mr. Masse, two Dover Merchants came to complaine of a French Frigot, that lay off and on the South Forland, and did take all Vessels that past too and fro, upon which, Sir Iohn sent the Ro-bucke to ply too and fro there.

1) Don Antonio (de Oquendo).

2) Settee: scheepje (saetia). Verg. Tromps journaal in dato

+ October 1. 639.

[p. 42]

I have formerly mentioned, that our Admirall did divers times invite the Admirall of the Hollanders abord of him, but as yet have not mentioned that he had as often invited the Spanish Admirall by Captain Robert Slingsby, who had their language very perfect, but for certaine he was as often invited as the Dutch, and at length came one day abord of us, but did not stay half an houre, gave our Admirall a Spanish complement and parted from him, to whom we gave 11. Pieces of Ordnance, and the next day Sir Iohn Penington our Admirall gave him the like visit, and he gave him some Ordnance at his parting, but how many, or on what dayes of the moneth, these invitations and visits were, I took no certaine notice in my Diurnall.

In the morning very faire weather the wind at N.E. a packet came from the Lord Admiral to continue the Merchants ships untill farther order, albeit that he had formerly given order for their discharge. Sir John sent me abord of them all to cause them to birth themselves neere unto their severall Squadrons, the which was performed with all expedition.

23. October 1639¹⁾.

When the Tyde of flood came, likewise all the Hollanders that were to the Southwards of us, set saile and stood off and tack't, and most part of them Anchored to the Northwards of the Spaniards, only some few Birtht themselves a Seabord off us, which caused us to doubt that the Hollanders would suddainly fall on upon their Enemies, of which Sir Iohn gave the Spaniards notice by Captain Slingsby; likewise I was sent abord of the Hollander, to 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, whether he had received any farther order by his last Adviser that came from Holland, he answered, that he could not tell whether

1) Lees: 2, 3 October 1639.

[p. 43]

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, 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, 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 deli-

+ Wednesday¹⁾

1) Woensdag 2/12 October.

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vered, 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, upon which we weyed with all our ships, and Anchored to the Southwards of them all.

After this the Hollanders had two severall Councels, 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, merchants Ships that were stayed; (viz) The golden Eagle, The golden Lyon, Anne Bonadventure, the John and Thomas, and the Speedwel, the Anne Bonadventure set

+ Thursday 3

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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 Fleet, 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, 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. barrels 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 Rhine¹⁾ came abord of us, 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 all their Ordnance, So that it was one of the greatest Peales of Ordnance that ever I heard; afterwards the Palsgrave sent Capt. Slingsby unto the Spanish Admirall to give him Thanks, who returned a Spanish Complement to him, as if he were sorry that hee did not⁺ shoot off his Ordnance as the Hollanders did for his welcome abord of us; and discoursing with Capt. Slingsby, he said, the Hollanders it seemes have too much powder, for they proffer to spare him 500. barrels, the which if they will performe, and give him but leave to send away a thousand sick Souldiers for Flanders, as he

1) Karl Ludwig, oudere broer van Prins Robert.

+ Friday 4.

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was a Gentleman he would goe out of the road with them, give them fighting work enough. Sir Iohn sent Capt. Slingsby and me abord of the Hollander, to certifie him, what the Spanyard demanded, who answered, that on the morrow he would send some of his Captains to treat with them about that busines.

In the morning very faire weather, but the wind still Easterly, which did hinder our ships from coming out of the Thames unto us; This morning discharging their watch, by a Musket shot out of one of the Spanyards, a Hollander was slaine abord of one of the Men of War, which man was brought unto our Ship side in one of their Boats, and some Captains with him, who made a grievous complaint thereof, and did alledge that the Spaniards had broken the peace or priviledge of his Majesties road; upon which busines our Admirall sent Captaine Slingsby abord of the Spanish Admirall, who seemed to be very sorry for the death of the man, but excused it, and said that was by a mischance, for he had given command to all his Fleet to be carefull how they discharged their watch, and said if he did certainly know the man, he would hang him up for an example. With which Answer, our Vice-Admirall and Capt. Hall and Capt. Slingsby were sent abord to the Hollander to excuse it as a mischance done by some untuterd Rascall, alledging that his People or ours may be guilty of the like and yet no breach of the liberty of the Road.

But Admirall Tromp was exceeding angry, and said that he would be with them to morrow morning, yet after dinner he sent 3 of his Capt. abord of us, to go Treat with the Spaniards Admirall, who were carryed abord of Don Carollus in our Pinnesse, and with them, Sir Iohn Penington sent his Vice-Admirall Sir Henry Manering, and with him Capt. Slingsby, and Mr. William White my Sonne, who had both of them the Spanish language perfit, but when they came to the Ships side, the Spaniards would not give leave to the Hollanders to come into their Ship, whereupon our Vice-Admirall delivered their message concerning the 500. barrels of Powder, that they expected from London, the which he shewed a willingnes to accept, with a Proviso, that they should give him liberty as aforesaid, to send over 1000. sick

[p. 47]

Soldiers, the which being performed, he would accept of their proffer, and would give them their bellys full of fighting; otherwise he would not remove out of the road with his Fleet, for he must and he would - - so neere as he could - - performe the Service that he came upon, otherwise he should lose his Head at his return into Spain; the Hollanders that sate in the Boat, desired the Spaniards answer in writing, which was presently granted, with the which they all returned; the Hollanders to their Admiral, and our People to our Admirall, who sent up a packet presently of these passages.

⁺ This Evening Mr. Iohn Digby, second Sonne to the Earle of Bristow, who had formerly been with us at Sea, came abord unto our Admirall, to continue with us untill the busines were ended; the winde at E. by S. the Bonadventure of the Kings returned from Callis or Bullin, where they had landed the Palsgrave.

⁺ The Hollanders held a Councell, where they concluded, that they would not give liberty to the Spaniard to transport any Soldiers, either sickly or lusty. In the morning we fitted our selves ready, expecting the Hollanders to fall on, as he had threatned the day before, for the Admirall and some others of his Fleet set saile, and we loosed our fore-top saile to give warning to all our Fleet, but the Hollanders did but new birth themselves and Anchored againe. A packet came from the Lord Admirall, that his Majesty would not suffer any more of the Merchant men that were stayed, as yet to be cleered. Towards night there came in 5. great Hollanders more; the wind increased, and blew very hard at E. by N. and blew stiffe all night. But in the morning it proved lesse wind; our Admirall drew up a warrant and directed it unto Captaine Henry Stradling, Capt. Richard Fielding, Capt. Edward Popham and my self, wherein he gave us instructions to demand of Admiral Tromp what followeth. By which warrant - - after our coming abord of him - - we gave him to understand, that it was his Majesties pleasure that the two Catchmen¹⁾ formerly mentioned, that were taken at Marget, with Soldiers should be severely punish't, and that his Majesty did expect that

+ Saturday 5.

+ Sunday. 6th.

1) Zie 26 Sept.

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Van Tromp should punish the Captaine that took them, for wearing of the King of Englands Colours, and taking of them under his Fort; to the which he answered, that he never gave him order to weare his Majesties of Englands Colours, nor to take them under his Fort, nor did he any way approve of it, but did utterly disclaime it, yet he durst not punish him; for if he should, he said, that his Masters the States would not take it well; for said he, the Captaine at his arrivall into Holland with them, did relate unto the States the whole story how and where he took them, and that if hee had not deceived them by wearing of the Kings Colours hee had never taken them, the which Service they did much approve of, without blaming of him for wearing of the Colours, but if so be that he had worne them, and had not performed the Service, hee would have severely punisht him, but now he must not displease his Masters the States¹⁾;⁺ then by the same warrant, we demanded of him, whether he had any Commission from the States to fall upon the Spaniards in this road or not, if hee had, we did require him to goe give us a Copy thereof with his hand unto it, that our Admiral might send it up to his Majesty, that he might thereby take knowledge, how hee was abused by the French and Dutch Embassadors; also we commanded him by the said warrant not to attempt any thing upon the Spaniards in three days, in which time our Admirall should have an answer of his Packet, and then if he had not order to command both Fleets out of the Road, that then they might take their owne course. To the which he answered, he 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

1) Gebrek aan sophismen of overvloed daarvan?

+ Sunday. 7th.²⁾

2) Lees: 6th.

[p. 49]

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, 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, 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, and our Lieutenant 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, the winde at East, afternoone came a packet to discharge another of the Merchants ships called the Blessing, 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, Captaine William Browne, who brought Soldiers from Spaine: The winde the next morning, was at Northwest, 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 rode still fast moored, albeit Capt. Slingsby advised him to get his Fleet loose, and rather to put it to a Sea-fight, 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

+ Monday 7th.

+ Tuesday 8.

[p. 50]

⁺ with them, 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, even his Bedsted, 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 Lieutenant 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. Richard Feelding, and Capt. Iohn Hall, unto the Dutch Admirall, for to certifie him, that by the Packet that our Admirall received the last night by his Lieutenant, 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, 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 Horseman¹⁾, for to deliver the Powder to the Spaniards, and without them he could not deliver it, this light Horseman

+ Wednesday 9.

1) An old name for the light boat since called a gig (Oxford Dictionary).

[p. 51]

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, 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-Admirall, 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, 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, and heav'd them over-bord. At the Councell we all agreed to turn up to the Northwards, to get the wind of them, the Hollands Admirall and all his fleet standing in under the Flood to get the wind of the Spanyards, but the wind was so little that they could hardly stem the flood. We set sayle and stood off to the Northwards with all our Fleet, being but 9. in number, viz. The Unicorne Admirall, the Henretta Maria Vice-admirall, these two of the second ranke, the Bonadventure, the Antelope, the Dreadnaught of the third ranke, the Providence of the 4.th ranke, and the Greyhound Pinnasse of the 6.th ranke, and two Merchant men, viz. The Unicorne Capt. Popham, and the Exchange Capt. Browne, we all set sayle and

+ Thursday 10.

+ Friday 11.

[p. 52]

stood off, and the Hollands Vice-admirall with the 30 Ships of warre, and the 3. Fire-ships without us did the like, who it seemes were ordered to attend upon us. By that time that we were under sayl, Hollands Admirall was very neare the Spanish Admirall, the weather being somewhat misty and thick, we heard a Piece of Ordnance, and some of our men said that it went from the Spanyards, presently after that wee heard another, after which whole broad sides without number, and instantly after this, came a Hollands Captaine abord to our Admirall, with a very large Letter written in Dutch, which Capt. did protest that they brake not the Peace; for the Spanyards shot the first shot, Sir Iohn answered that might very well be so, but it was because they came so neare him with their Fire-ships, by which they brake the Peace, the Ordnance went off wonderfull fast, for the space of almost halfe an houre, in which time there came such thick Fog that they could not see one ship from another, neither could wee see any of them, whereupon the Fight ceassed, for they could not tell when they shot, whether it would hurt their foes or their friends, wee being now by gesse - - for we could neither see Ship or Land - - and far enough to the Northwards to wether them, wee cast about, and stood in towards the shore, & all the Hollanders that wayted upon us did the like, and kept close to windwards of us the wether not being so thick where we were, as it was neerer the shore where the great Fleet was. We stood in thus halfe an houre in all which time we heard not one Piece of Ordnance, which caused our Admirall, to doubt that they might all chop to an Anchor, untill it cleered up, and demanded of mee what I thoght of it, I answerd, that I doubted that they were all come to an Anchor untill they could see one another, and likewise I said to him, that if they were Anchored, the tyde of Ebb being come wee stood in, we should fall to Leewards of them, and bring our selves in danger of both their shot, and be unable to help either party; upon which he demanded of me, what course I thoght best fitting to be taken; to the which I answered, that if he pleased, it being very litle wind we might let drop our Anchor for a very small time, and to have it ready to heave up againe upon a sudaine and not to take

[p. 53]

in our sayles onely, to strike our Topsayles upon the Caps, and to hall up our fore sayle in the Brayles, and if so be the Hollanders that waited upon us did the like. If he thought fitting he might either send to them by message, or begin to fight with them; this Counsell being approved of by him, wee brailed up our fore-sayles, and the Hollanders did the like, then we stroke our topsayles, they likewise stroke theirs, then wee let drop our anchor, and all our fleet did the like, but the Hollanders did not let fall their anchors. Our Admirall sent presently to all our fleet to be very ready to wey; for hee did intend to wey as soone as the Hollanders should be falne a little to Leewards off us, within halfe an houre after we anchored, the Hollanders were falne a little to Leewards of us, we all weyed our anchors and stood in after them, upon the wether gage of them, and presently after when it cleered up, we did see Admirall Tromp & his fleet all in a hudle together, right thwart of Deal Castle, and all the Strand full of ships, at which ships the Hollanders let flv their Ordnance as fast as they could; and we with our fleet, and also the Castle of Deal shot as fast at them, upon which they bore roome, and made all the⁺ hast that they could after the rest of the Spanyards, which were run away as far as the S. foreland, being in number 25 sayle of the better sort of their ships, and there was upon the shore 25 sayl of Spanish fleet, one of them being the Vice-admirall of Spaine, Don Andrewes de Castro Comander, who run a ground and 6. or 7. more all in a huddle together betweene Wamer Castle and the village of Kingsdowne, and a fire-ship amongst them, which burnt two of them and had fired the bowl-sprit and foremast of another, but they quenched it, also their was 2. Hollanders ashore between Deal and Sandowne Castle, the two Castles shot at them, but they nere shot again - - to begin where I left - - the Hollanders bore away to the Southwards, shooting at them ashore as they past by, and some of them ashore shot at them, and we following them our fleet plyed our Ordnance upon them, as fast as we could charge and discharge, but they ne're shot one shot at any of us, so wee chased them out of the Road, but the more wee chased, the farther thev were from us, and our Admirall perceiving some more Hollan-

+ Friday 11.

[p. 54]

ders coming from the Northwards through the Guls, fearing that they might, if wee did run out of the Road, haull in and take these ships from the shore, for the better securing of them anchored against Kings-downe. The wind hartned on and was with the Hollanders long before it came to the Spanyards, which caused them to fetch up the Spanyards before they were as farre as Dover, - - note this, that the Hollanders displayed no Colours till he was past the Foreland - - and the Hollanders having the advantage of them, by the meanes that their ships did sayl better then the most of the Spanyards they batterd them exceedingly, but the Spanyards neglected not to answer them. For the Spanish Admirall Don Anthony de Oquendo, his ship going better then the rest of his Fleet, kept close to the Portugall Admirall Don Lopus de Ossa, which were two hot ships, and behaved themselves so bravely, that as I was informed from sufficient men of Dover, not one of the Hollanders durst come up alongst their broad side, untill one desperate Sparke in one of the Hollands Pinnesses clapt the 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 hung out for a generall Councell, who being all met abord of us. Our Admirall demanded their opinions,

[p. 55]

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 Majasteis 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 days eve night, 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

[p. 56]

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 low water. 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 Road, 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 Viceadmirall, 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 Dunkerker 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 Dunkirker 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, 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 untill 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

+ Saturday 12.

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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 Ienaway¹⁾. 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 Seynhead²⁾ with a Convoy, the wind blowing hard at W. by⁺ S. and also continued all the next day. Three of the 6. Marchant men prepared at London 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. Just at that instant we descried 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 Ordnance³⁾; when we descryed 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 Hollands 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

1) Genua?

2) Seynhooft: Cap de la Hève.

+ Sunday 13.

3) Nogal begrijpelijk.

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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 above said, 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 upon 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 upon the upper deck, Incouraging of his men to fight it out unto the last, untill the fire seazed upon him, whose death he did much lament. Also he said, that the prime Admirall Don Anthony de 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,

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I hope ere long to Burne both him and all his Fleet, as they ride in the Road under the Splinter¹⁾. 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 I 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 us, what was the state of all the Spanyards that were run ashore upon 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 hither²⁾, 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 men³⁾, which was Related by his Order before all his Captains that were abord with him which were at least 20 or 30 of them upon which hee 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

1) De van de Vuilbaard afstekende staart. Met de reede is dus bedoeld: in het Scheurtje voor Duinkerken.

2) Zie 14/24 Sept.

3) Niet heelemaal juist; zie volgende alinea.

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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-float, were in the possession of the English. Bv 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 had 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 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 I gave him notice that I had Order from our Admirall, to goe abord of his Ship and the rest of the Wracks 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 hvred 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 stiffe gale. before day a Packet came from the Lord Admirall, and by an order therein I was Sent a shore to the Spanish

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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 hee 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 proceedings 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 Mannor. Likewise there came another

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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 Del la 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 disconted 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 I doe Row against the Tide and Wind,
And little Comfort in my Labours find:
I am resolv'd to Row whilst I can speake
For ENGLANDS Good although my heart I breake.

ANDREWES BURRELL.

FINIS.

[p. t.o. 62]

‘De Vlacke Zee’. Zuidelijk gedeelte.

1) Woensdag 2/12 October.

2) Lees: 6th.