THE ANSWER OF THE PARLIAMENT of the Commonwealth of ENGLAND, TO THREE PAPERS Delivered in to the COUNCEL of STATE By the Lords Ambassadors Extraordinary of the States General of the UNITED PROVINCES.
As also a NARRATIVE Of the late Engagement between the ENGLISH Fleet under the Command of General Blake;
And the Holland Fleet under the Command of Lieutenant Admiral Trump.
And likewise several LETTERS, EXAMINATIONS and TESTIMONIES touching the same.
Together with the Three PAPERS aforesaid of the said Lords Ambassadors Extraordinary; And the LETTER of Lieutenant Admiral Trump therein mentioned, Translated into English.
London, Printed by John Field, Printer to the Parliament of England. 1652.
The ANSWER of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, to Three Papers presented to them by the Councel of State, from the Ambassadors Extraordinary of the Lords the States General of the United Provinces; The First whereof is dated the Third of June, the Second the Sixth of June, and the Third the Thirteenth of June, 1652. new Stile, upon occasion of the late Fight between the Fleets.
THe Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, calling to minde with what continued Demonstrations of Friendship and sincere Affections, from the very beginning of their intestine Troubles they have proceeded towards their Neighbors of the United Provinces, omitting nothing on their part that might conduce to a good correspondence with them, and to a growing up into a more near and strict Union then formerly, Do finde themselves much surprized with the unsutable Returns that have been made thereunto, and especially at the Acts of Hostility lately committed in the very Roads of England upon the Fleet of this Commonwealth, the matter of Fact whereof stated in clear Proofs, is hereunto annexed; Upon serious and deliberate consideration of all, and of the several Papers delivered in by Your Excellencies to the Councel of State, the Parliament thinks fit to give this Answer to those Papers:
The Parliament, as they would be willing to make a charitable construction of the Expressions used in the [Page 4]said Papers, endeavoring to represent the late Engagement of the Fleets to have hapned without the knowledge, and against the minde of Your Superiors; So when they consider how disagreeable to that profession the Resolutions and Actions of Your State and their ministers at Sea have been, even in the midst of a Treaty offered by themselves, and managed here by Your Excellencies, the extraordinary Preparations of One hundred and Fifty sail of Men of War, without any visible occasion but what doth now appear (a just ground of Jealousie in Your own judgments, when Your Lordships pretended to excuse it) and the Instructions themselves given by Your said Superiors to their Commanders at Sea, Do finde too much cause to believe, That the Lords the States General of the United Provinces have an Intention, by Force to usurp the known Rights of England in the Seas, to destroy the Fleets that are, under God, their Walls and Bulwarks, and thereby expose this Commonwealth to Invasion at their pleasure, as by this late Action they have attempted to do: Whereupon the Parliament conceive they are obliged to Endeavor, with Gods assistance, as they shall have opportunity, To seek Repairation of the Wrongs already suffered, and Security that the like be not attempted for the future.
Nevertheless, with this minde and desire, That all Differences betwixt the Nations may (if possibly) be peaceably and friendly composed, as God by his Providence shall open a way thereunto, and Circumstances shall be conducing to render such Endeavors less dilatory, and more effectual then those of this kinde heretofore used have been.
A Narrative of the late Engagement betwen the English Fleet under the Command of General Blake, and the Holland Fleet under the Command of Lieutenant Admiral Trump near Dover.
UPon Tuesday the Eighteenth of May 1652. in the morning, General Blake being gone to the Westward as far as Rye Bay eight days before with twelve or thirteen Ships, leaving Major Bourn in the Downs with eight Ships onely, there appeared upon the backside of the Goodwin a Holland Fleet of Men of War consisting of two and forty Ships, one whereof had a Flag on the main-top-Mast head, the rest Jacks and Ancients; and being come unto the South-sands head, two of them bore up towards the English Ships in the Downs, whereupon Major Bourn sent out the Greyhound to examine them, and to know the reason of their so near approach; who answering, That they had a Message to the Commander in chief in the Downs, were permitted to come in, and having saluted the Flag, the two Captains named Tyson and Aldred came Aboard the said Major Bourn, and acquainted him that they were sent by Van Trump to let him know that he had been Riding about Dunkirk with his Fleet, where by reason of foul Weather they had lost many of their Cables and Anchors, and the wind being Northerly, were driven further to the Southward then they intended, which Van Trump thought fit to signifie to prevent any misapprehensions or Jealousies. And having said this, and received for answer, That the Reality of what they said would best appear by their speedy drawing off from this Coast, they departed to their Fleet; and immediately upon their arrival with them, the whole Fleet stood up [Page 6]to Dover, and came to an Anchor within little more then shot of the Castle the same day in the afternoon. Upon their coming before Dover Castle, and Riding there with Flag in the Main-top, without saluting the Castle, the Castle made three shot at them; notwithstanding which, the Dutch Admiral kept up his Flag, and rode there at Anchor until the next day noon, and exercised his Musquetiers, by discharging Volleys of small shot many hours together. Upon Wednesday about twelve a clock the Dutch Fleet weighed Anchor and stood off towards Calice some four Leagues into the South-east; about the same time the English Fleet under General Blake coming from the West towards the Downs discovered them, and supposed by their course they had been going back; Major Bourn likewise was in sight, coming from the Downs to joyn with General Blake. About an hour or two after, the Holland Fleet altered their course, came back again, made all the Sail they could, and bore directly with General Blake, Van Trump the headmost with his Flag in the Main-top; and being come within shot, the General shot a Gun at his Main-top, and then two single shot more: whereupon Trump shot a single shot through the Generals Flag, and then immediately gave the first Broad-side and took in his Pendants, and hung out his Red Flag under the Holland Colours, which was the Signal on their part for their whole Fleet to ingage, and so the Fight began, which happened between four and five a clock in the afternoon, and continued until nine of the clock. In the Fight the English took two of the Holland Fleet, one whereof having six foot water in the Hold they left, taking the Captain and Officers aboard, the other being a Ship of thirty Guns. General Blake lay all night [Page 7]where the Fight began, or near thereabouts, and the Holland Fleet was espyed about four Leagues distant towards the Coast of France next morning.
The truth of this Relation appears in the Letters of General Blake, Major Bourn, and others in the Action, by the Examinations of the Dutch Captains, and other Officers taken in the Fight; the Instructions given to the Dutch Captains and Commanders, and other Papers, all which are hereunto annexed.
And whereas Van Trump in the accompt he gives of this Action, makes the occasion of his coming back upon the English Fleet, the guarding of some Merchant men richly laden from the Streights, which had been in fight with some of our Friggots: That action is set down in a Letter written by Captain Yong (hereunto also annexed) whereby the occasion, beginning and ending thereof is declared: And besides, these very Ships which he pretends to come to protect or rescue, upon Saturday before had past by General Blake, and were gone to the Eastward.
General Blakes Letter.
I Have dispatched away this Express to your Honors, to give you an account of what past yesterday between us and the Dutch Fleet being in Rye-Bay; I received Intelligence from Major Bourn, that Van Trump with Forty Sail was off the South-sand head, whereupon I made all possible speed to ply up towards them, and yesterday in the morning we saw them at Anchor in and near Dover-Road; being come within [Page 8]Three Leagues of them, they weighed and stood away by a wind to the Eastward: We supposing their intention was to leave us to avoid the Dispute of the Flag; about two hours after they altered their course, and bore directly with us, Van Trump the headmost, whereupon we lay by and put our selves into a fighting posture, judging they had a resolution to ingage; being come within Musquet shot, I gave order to fire at his Flag, which was done thrice, after the third shot he let flie a Broad-side at us; Major Bourn, with those Ships that came from the Downs, being eight, was then making towards us, we continued fighting till night, then our Ship being unable to sail, by reason that all our Rigging and Sails were extreamly shattered, our Mizen-Mast shot off, we came with advice off the Captains to an Anchor about three or four Leagues of the Ness to refit our Ship, at which we labored all the night; this morning we espyed the Dutch Fleet about four Leagues distance from ours towards the Coast of France, and by advice of a Councel of War, it was resolved to ply to windward to keep the weather gage, and we are now ready to let fall our Anchor this Tide; what course the Dutch Fleet steers we do not well know, nor can we tell what harm we have done them, but we suppose one of them to be sunk, and another of Thirty Guns we have taken, with the Captains of both, his Main-Mast of the first being shot by the Board, and much water in the Hold, made Captain Lawsons men to forsake her. We have six men of ours slain, and nine or ten desperatly wounded, and twenty five more not without danger, amongst them our Master and one of his Mates, and other Officers: We have received about seventy great Shot in our Hull and Masts, in our Salls [Page 9]and Rigging without number, being engaged with the whole Body of the Fleet for the space of four hours: And the Mark at which they aimed, we must needs acknowledge a great Mercy that we had no more harm, and our hope the Righteous God will continue the same unto us, if there do arise a War between us; they being first in the Breach, and seeking an Occasion to Quarrel, and watching as it seems, an Advantage to brave us upon our own Coast, &c.
The Information of Captain William Brandley, taken before his Excellency the Lord General Cromwel, and Denis Bond Esquire, at Dover the 22 th of May, 1652.
VVHo saith, That Wednesday morning leaving General Blake off from the Nesse with eleven Ships, (viz.) The James, Victory, Garland, the Speaker, Ruby, Saphine, Conturion, Star, Portsmouth, Martin, Mormaid and a Merchants Ship in the States service, and between seven and eight a clock in the morning came to Dover Road, and fell in among part of Van Trump's Fleet, and hayling several of their Ships, and asking who wore the Flag, he was answered by three or four of them, That he was Van Trump, and that they should well wit, as his own men who were aboard with him that understood Dutch did interpret to him; whereupon this Informant went home to his own General, being some three Leagues to Westward of him, to [Page 10]whom he gave the said Accompt; which so soon as he had done, his General made all the haste he could to Dover Road with those Ships that were with him, and being come about three Leagues onward of his way, he this Informant and the rest of the Fleet discerned Van Trump and his Fleet weighing their Anchors, and perceived them to make towards the French Coast about four Leagues from the place where they Anchored, and General Blake steering his course towards the Downs to the rest of his Fleet, for which this Informant had seen the Orders of the Councel of State to him so to do; and being come up as high as Holstone, they perceived a Ship came from the Eastwards towards the Dutch Fleet, not being able to fetch Van Trump, being to the Leeward of him, shot off a piece; and Van Trump bore up to the said Ship, and within a quarter of an hour after, Van Trump shot off a Piece, and put abroad his Pendant, and bore up on General Blake and the Fleet that was with him, and a little to the East of Sandgate Castle, he came up with all his Fleet, being Two and fourty Sail, to General Blake, and himself being the head-most ship, having his Flag on his Main Top, came within shot of General Blake; whereupon General Blake shot at his Flag, and he not taking the same down, he shot a second, and a third; upon which Van Trump taking in his Pendant, put out his Red Flag under his Holland Colours, and presently after gave a Broad-side to General Blake, and thereupon General Blake answered him with another, and both the Fleets were engaged.
The Examination of Bastean Tunemant late Captain of the Ship called the St. Lawrence, taken before his Excellency the Lord General Cromwel and Dennis Bond Esquire, at Dover, 22 May, 1652.
WHo saith, He came from Flushing about fourteen days since under the Command of Admiral Van Trump with two and forty sail of Ships, and that they lay with their Fleet about four days between Zealand and Dunkirk, and from thence they came to Dover Road on Tuesday last about ten a clock in the morning, and there Anchored until Wednesday about twelve a clock and then weighed Anchor, they made off towards the French Coast about two Dutch Leagues, where a ship of the States of Holland came up towards them, and made a waft with his Flag to Van Trump who bore up to that ship, and he saw a boat go from that ship aboard Van Trump, who thereupon presently made all the sail he could, and came through all his Fleet, and made with all the haste he could towards General Blake and his Fleet: and being come near him, he shot a Gun without a Ball, and then two Guns more with Balls, as he was informed; whereupon Van Trump shot one shot at General Blake, and then presently fired a Broad-side at him, who fired his Guns lustily again at him, and the Fight began about four a clock in the afternoon, and continued till night. And he saith, That his ship onely was taken; and being demanded what was their Signal to fight, he saith, That when their Admiral hung out his Red Flag under the States Colours, they were to fall on: And saith, That when he saw their Admirals Red Flag hung out, he perceived they were in earnest, and then he did the best he could.
Bastean Tunemant.
The further Examination of Bastean Tunemant Captain of the St. Lawrence, taken the same day before the persons aforesaid.
VVHo being demanded, whether he with four other Dutch Ships were not met by the Andrew and two other English Ships near Calice about five weeks since, and whether they did strike Top-sails to them; He saith they did meet those English Ships and did strike their Top-sails to them; and after their arrival in Holland, their Admiral Van Trump asked this Examinant why he did strike sail to them, saying, Were you not as strong as they? and being so, why were you afraid? And further saith, That the Owners of their Ships did likewise use words to them to the same effect.
The Examination of Cornelius Teby late Lieutenant to the Ship St. Lawrence, taken the same day before the persons aforesaid.
WHo saith, About fourteen days since he came from Flushing and joyned with Admiral Van Trump to the East of Ostend about ten days since, and lay three days between Dunkirk and the North-furlong and came from thence to Dover Road on Tuesday between ten and eleven a clock, having two and forty sail of Ships, and there they anchored until Wednesday about one a clock, and then weighed Anchor and made towards the Coast of France about four or five Leagues; where he saith, There came a Ship from the West-ward and spake with their Admiral, who thereupon presently bore up to General Blake, and when he [Page 13]came near, General Blake made a shot without a Ball at their Admirals Flag, and after that two more shots, and their Admiral did not take down his Flag, but made one shot at General Blake, and presently after fired a Broadside, and then General Blake fired at him; and as soon as their Admiral had fired his Broad-side, he hung out his Red Flag under the States Colours, and upon that their whole Fleet engaged according to Signal and Orders. The Fight began about four a clock, and continued about four hours. He saith, The said Ship Lawrence was a Merchants ship hired by the States of Holland for four moneths, at 1300. Gilders per moneth.
The Examination of Shipco Focus Captain of the St. Mary of Amsterdam now prisoner, taken the same day, before the persons aforesaid.
WHo saith, That about fourteen days since he came from Texel, and joyned with Admiral Van Trumps Fleet before Skevelyn, and laying three or four between Zealand and Dunkirk, they came on Tuesday last about noon to Dover Road, where they Anchored until Wednesday Twelve a clock, and then weighed Anchor; they made off towards the coast of France about Two or Three Dutch Leagues, where a ship from the Westward made towards their Admiral, who immediately heaved out all his Sails, and made towards the English Fleet that came from the Westward with General Blake; how the Fight began he knoweth not, being a great distance off; but seeing his Admiral fight he fought likewise, according to his Orders.
The Examination of Peter Johnson Lieutenant to Shipco Focus Captain of the St. Mary of Amsterdam, taken the same day before the persons aforesaid.
WHo saith, About Fourteen days since he came from Texels, and joyned with Admiral Van Trump at Skevelyn about Three days after, and after they lay about Three days between Dunkirk and the North-furlong; and from thence they came to Dover Road on Tuesday about Ten a clock in the morning, and anchored there till Wednesday about Twelve a clock, and then weighed Anchor and made towards the French coast about Five Leagues, where a Dutch ship of War came up to them, and spake with Admiral Van Trump, who thereupon bare up with all the sail he could to the English General and his Fleet; but who began first to shoot he knoweth not: And being asked why he fought, he saith, That when the Admiral hung forth his Red Flag, they were to do the best they could; and seeing their other ships fight, they fought likewise.
The further Examination of Cornelius Teby, Lieutenant to the abovenamed Captain Tunemant, taken the same day before the persons aforesaid.
WHo saith, That his Captain told him, that Admiral Van Trump blam'd him for striking sail to the English Ships, saying, That he had marryed a yong Wife, and therefore was afraid, and made haste home.
WE whose Names are hereunder written, do humbly take leave to certifie the state of the business [Page 15]betwixt Us and the Dutch Fleet, (viz.) Upon the Nineteenth of this present May we had Intelligence, That they were off the South-foreland, consisting in the whole of about Forty two sail, we plyed up with our Ships as fast as possible, and being off Foulston, espyed the Dutch Fleet to ride at Anchor near Dover, as soon as the Tide presented we plyed towards them; whereupon they weighed and stood to the Southward, Three Leagues to the windward of our ships: we thereby imagining they had not any intent to ingage with us, laid our ships about, and within half an hour Van Trump with all his Fleet bore up upon us; and being near, our General gave Order to fire at the Dutch Flag to strike; which they refusing, we shot again; they still refused to strike, but shot a Piece at our Flag, and shot it through, we then being within Musquet shot one of the other: Then the third time we fired a Gun at his Flag, which was no soone done, but he fired his whole broad side at us, and so we engaged, and went on fighting from half an hour past Four that afternoon till Nine of the clock at night, and then we anchored to fit our ship in a posture for the next morning; the Dutch Fleet being to the southward of us Three Leagues, next morning directed their course for France; whereupon seeing of them do so, we plyed up to the Downs: This we humbly certifie, and the truth thereof will upon all occasions testifie, and have hereunto subscribed our hands the 24 th of this present May, 1652.
- Robert Moulton jun.
- John Gilson.
- John Redwood.
- Anth: Jackson.
- Henry Coradall.
Major Bourn's Relation.
UPon the Eighteenth of May, the Wind being at North-East, the weather something haisie, about [Page 16]Ten in the morning we saw a great Fleet on the back side of the Goodwyn sand, which lay with their sayls hayl'd up, and drove to the fouthward the later Tyde of Ebb in land; about twelve they were so nigh, that we plainly descried them to be all Men of War, consisting of One and forty in number, one whereof had a Flag at the main Top-mast head, the rest Jacks and Ancients, Hollands Colours, at which time they were near the South sands Head: There was in the Downs the Andrew, Triumph, Fairfax, Entrance, Centurion, Adventure, Assurance, Greyhound, and the Seven Brethers, all the rest of the Fleet being with the General to the Westward, by whose special Command I wore a Flag at the main Top-mast head; the appearance of which I humbly conceive was one cause amongst others which moved their General to send two Frigots towards me, which as soon as I perceived plying into the Road, I sent out the Greyhound to examine them, and know the ground of their Approach; who returned this Answer to the Captain, That they had a Message from their Admiral to the Commander in the Downs, at which he made sayl towards me, permitted them to come in, the two Frigots came near and saluted the Flag, and then the Captains came on Board, whose names were, one Tyson, and the other Aldred, who brought this Message from their Admiral Van Trump, That by reason of much Northerly Winds, he with his Fleet was put the southward farther then he intended, and having Anchored the day before off Dunkirk, many of his ships had lost Anchors and Cables, and so were forced to leewards; but withal declared, that they had special Command from their Admiral to signifie thus much, That it was the onely cause of their coming [Page 17]to prevent any thoughts or misaprehensions, for that he had not the least purpose to offer injury to any of the English Nation, but for fear least any noise or Alarum should be given either at Land or Sea, he thought good to send this message. And further, the one of them in discourse said, that their Admiral Trump would have come himself into the Road, but that he was not willing to breed any difference about his Flag, forasmuch as he had not order to take it down: To whom I replied, That I presumed there would be no new thing required of them, and neither more nor lesse would be expected from them, but what they knew to be the ancient Right of this Nation; and withal I desired them to return this Answer from me to their General, That their Message was civil, that our General was to the West-ward, whom I looked for hourly, and that received; and if what they delivered was so intended, I desired the Reality there of might be manifested by their speedy drawing off from this place with their Fleet, for else this their appearance would be otherwise expounded; and so I dismissed them, who made sail to their Admiral who lay off the South-Sands head. I expected them to come into the Road every moment, and therefore was in readiness with the small strength I had under my charge; so soon as the two Friggots before mentioned came back to their General, they all made Sail and stood toward Dover, and there they came to an Anchor that Tyde. At the first appearance of them, after I had made them certainly to be the Holland Fleet, I did according to my duty give such an Accompt thereof to the Right Honorable the Councel of State, as the time and other business would admit, & withal I immediately [Page 18]dispatched a Ketch to our General, who met with the advise thereof that night about Nesse. All the next night we lay in readiness, our Anchors apeck, and kept two Friggots one at a distance from the other betwixt us and them, giving them Instructions to make a Signal to me either night or day, that I might understand their motion whether towards, the General or elsewhere, to the end I might the better be able to order my self and the party with me to the best advantage for security of the Generals Fleet and our selves. In the morning about ten a clock I received advice from the General being a little to the West-ward of Foulstone, and according to Order received from him, calculated the time and Tyde, so that we might most opportunely make conjunction of our Forces. About twelve a clock I set sail out of the Downs, the wind being Easterly, immediately after I perceived the Hollanders to be under sail some of them, and the rest making ready: we steered alongst, and when we came as high as the Southforeland, the Hollanders Fleet was got off the Shore and were [...] Channel over plying to wind-ward towards Calice, at which time I saw our General and those with him, and within an hour after or thereabouts, the Holland Fleet bore up and made Sail toward him; we hastned towards him, and hope I may say, seasonably came in, for by that time the Guns were fired betwixt the Admirals, we were with the body of their Fleet and ingaged with them from half an hour past four in the afternoon till it was dark; what execution we did upon them they best know, I shall not determine it, but surely they were sensible of us, for they did their utmost to decline us and avoid our coming near, which we endeavored [Page 19]by all means; but their Admiral leading the Van, they all made sail after him, and so shot themselves to Leeward of us, and so left the Rear of the Fleet to us, which we endeavored to sever from the rest, and accordingly did in part break the Body, and some of us who were the nearest and had the Advantage of the Wind, fell upon the Stern most, who I suppose found it hot work; the one of them of thirty Guns we took which fought stoutly, another of the same force so lamed, her main Mast shot down, and having much water in Hold yielded, and the Captain thereof came in to our Boat to save himself; the night coming on and no hope left him, I presume she sunk in the night. We not knowing what might be the issue of this beginning, endeavored to finde out our General, to the end we might receive Instructions how to order our selves in the morning, expecting certainly to prosecute the business then, for which end we presently came to an Anchor, because we would be near them in the morning, but they did not stop, so that in the morning we could scarce discern them at Top-mast head; by which we concluded that they were bound over to the coast of France, and were not willing to try it farther at this time, and therefore that evening plyed it up toward Foulstone, and between that and Dover anchored again, and the next day came into the Downs.
Instructions given to the Dutch captains by Van Trump. Martin Harperts Trump Knight, and Lieutenant Admiral of Holland and West-Frizeland, &c.
THat the Vice-Admiral Scout (or he that keeps the Watch) at night, and all the Captains belonging under his Colour already present, or those that yet are to come under his Command, upon all occasion that may befal, may know how to govern himself duly, he is to observe the seventh and eighth Article of his Lieutenant Admiral's Instruction, whose Content doth follow word for word.
The seventh Article.
The Commanders or Captains of the Squadrons already fitted, or yet to be prepared, are commanded to Maintain and Defend the Ships of these Countreys from all Visitations or Searchings, without comprehending all necessary Questions in the Sea, or demanding the shewing of their Passes and Bills of Lading; which according to the eighth Article of the Sea-Treaty made the seventeenth of December, One thousand six hundred and fifty, with the King of Spain, hereafter inserted in following words, may be required of whomsoever it may be, defending them against all and every one that would offend them, delivering them from the hands of any that may have taken them; and in such Cases to use all their power to overcome such strong Ships, doing all that may be requisite by their Commissions and ordinary Instructions, according to the Custom of Sea-faring men, to the service of the Countrey.
And to hinder that the said forbidden Goods of Counterband, [Page 21]whether they be marked or signed, and are regulated by the Article immediately preceding, not to be carried to the Enemies of the said King of Spain, and under Pretence thereof to hinder the Freedom and Safety of Shipping and Commerce.
It is agreed, That the Ships of the Subjects and Inhabitants of the United Provinces come into any Harbor of the said King, and intending to go thence to the Countreys of his Enemies, shall onely be bound to deliver and to shew to the Officers of the Spanish Ports or other States of the said Lord King, from whence they intend to part to shew their Passes, containing and specifying their Lading of their Ships, attested and marked with the ordinary Seal and Marks, and acknowledged by the Officers of the Admiralty in the Parts whence they first are parted, shewing the place which they intend to sail unto, altogether in an ordinary and accustomed Form; After which having their Passes in the said form, they are no more to be molested, nor searched or detained and stayed, under what pretext soever it might be.
The eighth Article.
If they come to fight with other strange Ships, because of freeing themselves or hindering the visiting and searching of the ships of these Countreys, and overcoming the same, they are to bring in or to send such conquered ships, with sufficient Information of what is past, that it may be right represented in the Admiralty of the Quarter out of which the Conqueror did part. Datum in the Ship Brederode, this 25 May, 1652.
APPENDIX.
IT is further here commanded, That all Commanders and Captains under the said Colour or Flags, shall at all hours keep ready their Canons and Fore-Arms, and coming towards any Foreign Ship of War, making all things ready, and making haste as much as weather and wind will give them leave, to go to the rest of our Ships, and there remain in a good posture: That observing well the sign of War, Defensive and Offensive (by reason of freeing from searching or visiting of the Ships of these Countries, or otherwise) they may pass according to the sign, which sign of War shall be a Red Flag, under the Prince, hanging and streaming on the Admirals Great. Which seeing every one, he shal endeavor to his utmost to do what possible he can against the parties advantage, taking them, and to bring the gotten Ships under the Flag, thereupon to resolve and to dispose as is fit; but assoon as the said Red Flag on the said Admirals great Rodol is taken in or off, all Actions of Hostility shall cease.
It is also expresly forbidden to make any unnecessary shots of Honor, but rather to keep and well to manage the Powder and Shot of the Countrey; but yet coming to any Foreign Ship of War, whereby it is requisite to give some salutation by shooting for the Reputation of the Countrey; In that case they are to observe and maintain in all honesty the Honor of our Countrey, according as the Commanders or Captains of the Foreign Ships of War shall do the like to the Lieutenant Admiral, or to those that are in his Place [Page 23]and Command; and also be wary to do no harm by the said shooting for Honor.
Further, whensoever some cross the Seas, and any of the Fleet (whether he be under the Colour or a part crossing) discovering any Foreign Ship, following the third Article of his Letter of Commission, and understanding of any preparation or gathering of Ships of War, wheresoever it may be, or that already some Ships or Fleet shall have passed; Then he is to learn, and observe very strictly the number of the said ships, their Arming, Guns and Men, of the said preparation; and likewise what course such a Fleet that may be passed may have taken, and thereof advise, and send in all haste word to the Admiral or Commander for the service of the Countreys, that thereupon order may be taken accordingly: And the general token or sign shall be to discover the Sea, coming together or to a Rendezvouz to advertise together of such Fleets as may be passed, whether they may be gone to any Haven of our Countreys or not, or concerning any matter important to the service of these Countreys; and therefore at every half hour marked by his Hour-glass, to shoot off a great Piece of Ordnance, whereupon every one hearing the unusual sign of that shot, is to answer in like maner, and in all haste go towards the place where the foresaid shot hath been made, that speedily he may meet with the other ships, and there to do what the Admiral or Commander with the Councel of War, for the good and service of these Countreys shall finde fit to be done. Datum ut Supra.
Captain Yongs Letter.
AS I was coming to the Westward to take the command of the West-guard the twelfth instant off the Start, I descried a Fleet of ships about a dozen sail, coming from the Southward, being Admiral, Vice and Rere in the Fleet, so that I did conceive them to be Sir George Ayscu's Fleet; but I making sail off to them, found them a Fleet of Hollanders came from Janua and Legorn; Those three with Flags were States-men of War their Convoyers, the other Merchants ships, some upwards of Thirty Guns and some under; so I bore with the Admiral, and did send him by my Master, That he should strike his Flag, and did desire a right understanding might be between us before any Blood was shed in the controversie; on this the Admiral took in his Flag and put abroad a Pendent, he said he did belong to Amsterdam, but his name I know not, but the ship hath two wilde men or the like in her stern, and some other things between them, she hath some Thirty eight guns: so then the Vice-Admiral came up with me with his Flag abroad, being a ship of Forty two Guns, so I called to perswade him to strike, he bid me come on board and strike it, so I sent my Boat on board to perswade him to it to prevent the loss of Blood, if it might be, but he sent me word by my Master he would not strike; so then being fitted for it, I came up very near on the Weather-quarter, yet before I fired, I called to the Captain my self to take in his Flag, but he said he would not; so then I commanded a Broad-side and a Volley of small shot to be fired on him, and I received the like from him again: Thus we past some four or [Page 25]five Broad-sides each at other, though I was forced to be at some further distance from him then the first, I fearing the Admiral would have laid me on Board on the Weather-side, he having fitted his ship, and come up Main-sail, and all to gain the Wind of me, forced me to keep the Wind of him; then Captain Reynolds being come up fair within shot of his weather quarter, having fired some six Guns before at the Rear Admiral, as he came in amongst us; so he fired part of a broad side at the Vice-Admiral, just at that instant as he was taking in his Flag, the Recovery being come up even within shot just as his Flag was in, and the Rear-Admiral struck likewise: So I sent aboard the Admiral, That I did demand the Vice-Admiral, either in his person or his ship to carry into Port, to make good what damage was done: He told my Master, he did not meddle in the least himself as yet, as long as it was onely about striking the Flag, the which he said was now taken in; but if I sought any further matter, as the surprizal of him or the ship, he was bound and would assist him, she being the States ship as well as he, not then knowing, or could take any notice of any further intentions: So I desired Captain Reynolds and Captain Chapman to come on board to consult with me what further to do in it, it being near night; and it was the judgment of us all, not to proceed any further in it, the Flags being taken in, by reason the Treaty being between the Nations at present, the case of Breach of the Peace might not be any way imputed on our part. I have received some damage in my Hull sail and rigging, the which I shall soon, God willing, get repaired again; I had one [Page 26]man even as good as killed out-right, dyed since, and some Four wounded, but I hope they will recover: For my own part, I bless the Lord for it, I am very well; I do believe I gave him his belly full of it, for he sent me word he had Order from the States, That if he struck he should lose his head; but at length he did strike, which makes me conceive he had enough of it.
A Paper delivered by the Lords Ambassadors to the Councel of State, the Third of June, 1652. new stile.
WE are here by reason of and unhappy an unexpected Mischance; An horrible Report hath amazed us, That a Fight at Sea should have been betwixt the Fleet of this Commonwealth and of the United Provinces, and That ours should have been the reason of this unfortunate business, That we began the Fight, and that thereupon is fought most cruelly; and that from thence the Rumor of the breaking of the Treaty, and of open War (which should be very near at hand between the two Nations) was spread: We astonished by this sad Report, direct our selves to this Honorable Assembly, and do Declare before God, and out of all our Hearts, That the Fact, so as it is reported, is committed without the knowledge, and against the will of the States of the United Provinces [Page 27]our Lords, and of us their Ambassadors. Moreover we do affirm, That the Hearts of ours do desire nothing but Unity, Peace, League, and a very near Friendship with this Commonwealth, and hope that with all their wishes. In the mean while, we do think it not to be amiss, if we give notice unto your Honors, That we have received Letters from the Admiral of the Fleet of the United Provinces, Dated the Thirtieth of the last Moneth, wherein the occasion and reason of the said Fight-quite otherwise is declared then the common Report is: For the truth of which business, we suppose to be convenient to inquire exactly; But this is worth observation in the mean time, That our Admiral Trump in the same Letter doth declare plainly to have no other Order from the Lords the States, then to sail about, and to view the shore and coasts of our country, as far as Ostend and Newport and no farther. By which it doth appear as clearly as the Sun is under Heaven, That by all means the States of the United Provinces have had no minde to attempt any thing against the Fleet or other ships of this Commonwealth. If any thing then in this business be done otherwise then it ought to be, this doth not concern the said States, but them which have executed the said busines, and let them make it good. We have been here now almost six Moneths about the concluding of a League, by special Order of the said States, and have delivered some days ago to your Commissioners a Paper, in which not onely the different Points touching the Treaty, but also the means by which the same could be brought to a good Agreement, and reconciled one with another, were sufficiently declared; so that vve did expect nothing every day, [Page 28]but a happy end to so good a Work; and truly that excellent matter may in very few hours be finished. But who should ever believe that so Noble a Work, and desired vvith so many vvishes of all honest men, and especially of all the Churches of the Reformed Christian Religion, should be cut off or hindred by any such imprudent and turbulent man (whosoever he may be) without knowledge and against the will of the Lords the States? By Law of Nature and Customs of all Nations is very well known, That he to whom a Charge is given in particular things, an Ambassador in Publique Business going beyond the limit of their Commissions, a General of an Army Depopulating without order of his Superiors any Grounds of the Neighbors; a wilde beast doing any mifchief after it hath broken its bond, that not the Masters but those that have done the wrong are obliged, especially if the disapproving of the same Masters followeth thereupon; which without question (if the business be so as it is related) is to be expected from the States of the United Provinces. In the mean while we make no doubt, that to attempt any Hostility before the other party is heard, cannot be approved neither by God, nor by any men, especially Christians. It is a Custom by all reasonable Nations to demand restitution of their Goods if any trouble be done, and in case Satisfaction be given or offered, to lay aside all Hostility. And it is no wonder that all Nations are so much against War and inclined to establish a Peace, the War being plainly a cruel monster, a world of evil, and a meer deluge of innocent blood; therefore the most holy Fathers of our Religion have expresly declared the War (although just) to be [Page 29]execrable, especially in relation to the Christians, who are taught by their meekest Savior to spare other mens blood as well as their own. But amongst all kinde of Wars, is this to be reputed the most detestable and horrible if between these Nations War be risen. Truly the experience teacheth us, that the best and strongest Wine (if it be corrupted) becomes the sowrest Vineger; and indeed if two Nations having been friends of old times, of the same Religion, lovers of Liberty, joyning upon the same Sea, next Neighbors, both Valiant and Warlike be clashed together, what is to be expected but the Ruine of both, and as the Proverb saith, a Cadmean Victory. And what else is this then to afflict and depresse your Friends and Companions in Religion to please our Enemies, and to give occasion openly for to hurt them both. An Author, being none of the least amongst yours, hath very well compared, as we conceive, both the Nations to two earthen Pots driving in the Sea with this device, If we hurt, we break; He hitted it very well that honest man, and we may believe you are of the same opinion. But if the two Nations come to an Agreement, Oh Lord, what store of Happiness will this bring forth! The true Gods Service will be established, the Sea be quiet, and Opportunity taken away from all Enemies to trouble them both; all Companions in Religion be resoiled, and which is to be reputed the chiefest of all, To the most good and gracious Lord, Praises and Thanksgiving will be lift up into the Heavens. We conclude then, most Honorable Lords, and instantly demand and desire, so as we have longed to propose to your Honors this three days since;
First, That a Copy may be given unto us of the Relation of the things that are past.
Secondly, That we may send that over by your leave to our Lords the States, and that the other part being heard, the truth of the Business may be known.
Thirdly, That in the mean while all things may be kept whole and untouched.
Fourthly, That by no means the Business of the concluding of the Treaty be put off, and that such unfortunate Mischances may be avoided, and an everlasting Peace may be established between both the Nations.
All which we desire of all our hearts, the great and bountiful God the Author of Peace will be pleased to grant us.
The Translation of the LETTER of the Admiral Trump to the States General, mentioned in the precedent Paper.
MY last Letter was of the twentieth instant, sent by the Messenger that brought my Instruction aboard, since when I crossed the Sea before the Mase, Wislingen, Ostend and Newport, until the twenty four of the same Moneth, when we were forced to cast our Anchor, and stay there in a hard weather and a rough sea, until the twenty [Page 31]six in the morning: The weather growing fairer, and being under Sail, divers Captains of the Direction came aboard, complaining, That they lost their Anchors and Cables, some having but two Anchors & two Cables left; It was resolved, because the wind did grow big, to go under the point of Dover for to prevent the loss of our Ships. At one of the clock coming before Downs, we did send the Commander John Thissen from Flissingen, and Captain Peter Alders towards the Downs to the Commander Bourn, who was there with some Ships of the Parliament, whom they saluted in my Name, advertising him that we were bound to cross the Sea about our coast; and that having lost some Anchors by the last hard weather, we were forced to Anchor under Dover, to help one another, and so to return to our appointed limits; having also no other order, but to protect our Merchants Ships and Fishermen, and to maintain the honor of our Country: That we therefore thought it fit to acquaint the said Commander with the same, because he should not suspect any thing to the contrary; who also with much courtesie did salute [Page 32]me, and thank me for this notice. Upon the twenty nine, at two of the clock, we made sail, the wind North east, good weather, sailing towards Calice, with intention to cross towards our coast, for to provide us of Cables and Anchors: Coming about Calice Cliff, we met with Captain Ioris van Sanen of Amsterdam, coming out the Streights, with Captain Hugeluyt, having in their Company seven rich Merchants Ships, who are esteemed above fifty Tuns of Gold, who he left the twenty nine at Anchor, right against Feverley, where about twelve Ships of the Parliament did lye, and divers Frigots came to see them; and for as much as the said Ioris van Sanen upon the twenty two of May, about Goutstart, was met a Frigot of the Parliament, who fiercely set upon him for to make him strike, and against whom he defended him neer about two hours, and so was left by the said Frigot, whereupon the said Commander Hugeluyt, and the said Van Sanen, should endeavor for to finde out our main Fleet, and to give us notice of it; as he did accordingly, fearing much, That the said Merchants Vessels already might be taken: Whereupon I presently [Page 33]went thither, to take them under my protection; and if they were taken, to put them at liberty, if it was possible, according to the seventh and eighth Articles of my Instruction of the sixteenth instant. Upon the way we met fifteen Ships and Frigots of the Parliament, among whom one was an Admiral, whom I intended to view, taking in all my Sails, except both my Murshot Sails, whom we did avail until the middest of the stangs. Being within a Canon-shot, he shot a Ball over our Ship, we answered not, he shot another, to which we answered with one; presently he gives me a broad side, being within a Musquet shot, and shot all his side through our Ship and Sails: Divers were wounded, some with the loss of their Arms, some otherwise; thereupon we presently gave him our broadside, not knowing what they intended, which for as yet I know not, because they did not speak a word to us, neither we to them, and we fell thereupon to a general fight. In mean while came the Commander Bourn out the Downs, with twelve of such like Ships and Frigots mounted, as he told himself to the said Commander John Thyssen, and [Page 34]Captain Peter Alders, being aboard of him with sixty to seventy, and the Frigots with thirty eight to fifty pieces of Ordnance, who in the same while assaulted our Fleet from behinde; and we fought thus from half an hour past four till nine of the clock, the darkness departing us from another; when both the Admirals a little beyond the reach of their Ordnance cast their Sails towards the Lee for to gather their Fleets, and to mend what was shot to pieces, we floated the whole night with a light on every Ship. The thirtieth in the morning, we saw the English Fleet driven windward from us, who made Sail and went towards Dover. We wanted two of our Ships, who were in the rear of our Fleet: The Captains, Tuynmans of Middlebourgh, and Siphe Fooks of Amsterdam, both Ships of the Direction, whereof we found that of Captain Siphe Fooks about noon floating without Mast; The Skipper and the Officers declared unto us that they were taken by three Ships of the Parliament two hours after Sunset, who took from aboard the Captain and the Lieutenant, with fourteen or fifteen men more, and putted instead [Page 35]of them many of the English; but they fearing that the Ship would sink, they took the flight, after they had plundred all in Hostile maner: They Declared also, That they see that the said Tuynmans (being with them in the rear of our Fleet) an hour before was taken: We intend with this Easterly wind to cross to and fro, that we may finde out the said Streight fearders, if it be possible, and with all other Ships with whom we may meet, to bring them safe in our Country: So ending was subscribed
The Lords Ambassadors second Paper, 6
June. 1652.
To the Councel of State of the Commonwealth of England.
AS on Monday last the Ambassadors of the States of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, have said before the most Illustrious Councel upon their honor and faith, and have averred by the Witness of God, That the unlook'd for and untimely Sea-fight of the two Fleets happened without the knowledge and the will of the said Lords States, and withal treating [Page 36]with the Councel about it with all uprightness, delivering them a Copy of Trump's Lettershimself, whereby it might the better appear to the Commonwealth, that the said Lords States had commanded the said Trump nothing else then to ship about the Coasts and Havens of their Dominions, to shun all suspitions and Dissentions; even so now again the same Lords Ambassadors assure the most Illustrious Councel, That by the Ordinary Messenger they receive yesterday, they have received all the Consultations handled by the said Lords States General from the 22 th until the 29 th, day of the last Moneth (new stile) on which the said Fight happenned, whereby it appears yet more clear, and the said Lords Commissioners are more assured, that their Superiors gave at all no occasion, no cause nor counsel, but rather they did breathe (as it were) and further with the same minde, care and zeal, a more strict Friendship and mutual Alliance betwixt these two Nations, as it doth appear more clear then the sun at noon, by their said Lordships sentence on the occasion of an Answer to be sent to the Protestant Swissers, made on the 23 th of the the said Moneth, a Copy whereof they now also present and offer to the said most Illustrious Councel.
Therefore the said Lords Ambassadors intreat again this most ample Councel, That yielding due faith to so many Protestations, and to so many Testimonies, they would now upon their Demands with the Parliament (as is understood) communicated two days since, they would at the soonest give them such an Answer as the said Councel, according to their Wisdom and Justice may seem good and necessary, to prevent greater harm, and already imminent Dangers; And that [Page 37]to these Evils a more ready Remedy may be applied, the same Lords Ambassadors would not have this Senate ignorant, that the Lord Newport, sent by the Lords States to deliver to the Lords Ambassadors their Consultations, and signifie to them besides their sincere and plain Minde, since it now seems things did happen otherwise and against their Hope and Trust, to think upon and prepare his Return, that so the better he might let them know in what state and condition matters now are, and what Remedy there may be applied; To which end the said Lords Ambassadors do intreat this Councel to give freedom and leave to the said Lord Newport, that he may choose some one of the Lords [...]tates General ships, now either in the Thames or in other parts of this Commonwealth, abiding for his Transportation, or by any other means may return home. Given at Chelsey, 6 June, 1652. stilo novo.
An Extract out of the Register of the Resolutions of the High and Mighty Lords, the States General of the United Provinces.
Thursday the 28.
of May, 1652.
AFter that the Letter of the Evangelical Cantons in Switzerland and there associated in Religion, dated the 14. of April last past, and yesterday received, was this day again produced; It is upon deliberation resolved and ordered to send them an Answer, and signifie, that their Lordships hath received the before mentioned Letter, and return great thanks for the Affection which they shew unto this State, and for their care for the Conservation of the Reformed Religion, as also the Continuation [Page 38]of Peace and Concord amongst this State and the Commonwealth of England; with a Declaration, That their Lordships will not fail to contribute all things that shall be necessary to promote the one and the other: And specially a good Correspondence with the said Commonwealth, hoping the same of the said Commonwealth. That it is true, that some extraordinary preparation of Ships of War was made, but to no other intention as to the safety of the Sea, and security of the Navigation and Trade of these Countreys. That to conclude, Their Lordships did wish to the said Evangelical Cantons and their Religion-friends, all kinde of Prosperity, Peace, Safety and mutual Union, for the Exaltation of Gods most holy Name, Conservation of the true Christian Reformed Religion, and Prosperity of both sides, States and Subjects.
The third Paper of the Lords Ambassadors, exhibited 13
Iune, 1652.
To the Councel of State of the Commonwealth of England;
EVen as both by vvord of mouth, and also by Writing, we have signified to this Councel on the third and sixth days of this moneth, taking God the searcher of Mans hearts to witness, that the most unhappy Fight of the ships of both Commonwealths did happen against the knowledge and will of the Lords States General of the United Netherlands; so also are we daily more and more assured both by Messages and Letters, witnessing the most sincere hearts of our said Lords, and that with grief and astonishment they received the fatal [Page 39]News of that unhappy rash Action; and that upon what we thereupon presently sent them word of, they did consult and endeavor to finde out what Remedy chiefly may be applied to mitigate that raw and bloody Wound: To which end, they have written out for to gather a solemn Meeting or Parliament of all the Provinces, whereby we do not doubt but there will be provided for these Troubles (by Gods favor) such a cure and present help, whereby not onely the outward cause of all further Evil may be taken away, but also by an Intern comfort the mindes may be redressed and reduced again to a better hope of our Treaty in hand; Which thing being now most earnestly agitated by our Lords for the common good of both Nations, to shun that detestable shedding of Christian blood (so much desired, and would be dearly bought by their common Enemies of both Nations, and of the Reformed Religion) we again do crave this most Honorable Councel, and beseech you, by the Pledges both of the common Religion and Liberty: mean while to suffer nothing to be done out of too much heat, that afterwards may prove neither revocable nor repairable by too late idle Vows and Wishes; but rather, that you would let us receive a kinde Answer without further delay upon our last Request.
Which we do again and again desire so much the more, because we understand, that the Ships of our Lords and of our Shippers both on the broad Sea, as in the Ports of this Commonwealth, some by force, some by fighting, are taken by your men and kept. Given at Chelsey 3/13 June, 1652.