THe 8. of Octob. being Saterday wee set sayle a­bout 3 of the clocke in the afternoone with a wind at north north east.

Vpon Sonday the 9. about 6 of the clocke in the mor­ning, we fell with my Lord of Essex my Vice-Admirall and those shippes that were put into Famouth with him, and about 9 in the same morning, we discouered 7 sayle that were Dutch shippes loaden with salt, the wind con­tinued faire enough for vs all that day, to lye our course and till 12 at night. This day instructions were sent to all the Admiralls, and to other Officers, and to diuers o­ther shippes.

The 10 being Monday we were becalmed.

On Tewsday the 11 in the morning I called a coun­cell for the setling of instructions for a Sea fight, as by the 7. and 10. Artikle contained in them may plainely ap­peare viz:

7. Art. If the Enemies approach be in such sort as the Admirall of the Dutch & his squadron or my Vice-Admirall of the fleet and his squadron may haue oppor­tunitie to begin the fight it shall bee lawfull for them so to doe vntill I come vsing the forme method and care foresaide.

10. Art. If any shippe or shippes of the Enemies doe breake out or flye, the Admirall of any squadron that shall happen to be on the next, and most convenient place for that purpose shall send out a competent nom­ber of the fittest shippes of his squadron to chase, assault, and take such shippe or shippes breaking out, but no shippe shall vndertake such a chase without the Com­maund of the Admirall or at least the Admirall of his squadron.

Likewise it was ordred that 5 men should be put to a [Page 4] messe with the allowance formerly giuen for 4 and war­rents directed to all the fleete to that ende.

Wednesday the 12 about 7 in the morning the winde came to north north west with faire weather, it serued well till 6 in the euening, the wind increasing so much that it was not sayle-worthy, yet being large we bore our foresayle and sprittesayle. The Sea grew so high that we towed our long boate in peeces, and lost her, and the losse of long boates was generall, I thinke all within 2 houres one of another, so that there was not one saued through­out the whole fleete, and one Catch was sunke, another by misfortune comming fowle of a shippe was likewise cast away with 3 of her men, the rest were saued, many shippes were in danger almost to despaire, the long Ro­bert of Ipshwich was drownd with 138 Land-men, 37 Sea-men, the Land-Captaines lost in the wrack were Fi­sher, & Hackett a Scotch Captain, and Gurling the Cap­tain of the shippe.

Besides these generall losses there was no shippe in her owne particuler that did not suffer more or lesse in this storme by leakes, losse of masts, and by casualties, and the like.

In this Tempest we had experience of the Anne Roy­all her selfe, her mastes grewe loose, the maine mast was in danger of rowling ouer board, two of her greatest pee­ces of 5000 weight a peece broke loose in the Gunners roome, the danger was partly by the negligence of the Officers, that did not see carefully to the fitting of these things while we lay in Harbour, she would not Hul at all.

The separation caused by this tempest was so greate that on Fryday the 14 at noone, we sawe but one shippe of the whole fleete, this day the storme began to cease. Then we made observations, and found we were in the [Page 5] latitude of 44 and 8 minutes, and after recouered 20 sayle of shippes. The winde continued faire, and large with a gaile running some 7. leagues a watch, we steared away with a short course staying for the rest of the fleete.

On Saturday the 15. about 9 in the morning, we dis­couered more that made 33. at noone we were in the height of 42 and 6 minutes.

On Sonday the 16 bearing to the north east, we steared away southeast and by east to gaine the shoare, at noone we found our latitude 39 and 54 minutes. The south­erne Cape then being by computation south east, I gaue order to some shippes, to goe and looke out for prizes, and discouery, and to returne in the afternoone. Now we began to make ready for extraordinary fight, and gaue the same order to those that were with me, and the rest, as by my generall instructions vnder my hand may ap­peare.

The wind still continued north east, and the 17 on Monday we were in 38 and 48 minutes, from the toppe was discouered land, which was the Rocke of from Lis­bon bearing east and by north some 14 leagues from vs, I sent now forth againe to discouer the Cape, with order not to discouer themselves, and to come backe againe with intelligence, this day we had a chase, but missed it.

Tuesday the 18 at noone our height was 37 and 36 minutes. This day I called a councell for the better resol­uing what course to hold for reuniting the fleete much seperated by the late storme.

This day the Captaines brought in the seuerall com­plaints of theire defects, as Sir Beuerley Newcombe Cap­tain of the Dreadnaught that the vpper beames had been broken, and did in fowle weather giue way, and the sides of the ship opening receaued in so much water, that she [Page 6] was not able to subsist, Sir William Saint Leger writte a lettre that he suspected the plague in his shippe, but it pleased God it proued not to be so.

This day I gaue especiall order to all the Captains, and Maisters present to keepe more neare together, and to haile theire Admirall euery morning reprouing theire former negligence, and misorder in that kinde, deliue­ringe them theire orders, which should haue been giuen according to the date, but we were hindred by the storme, wryting thus.

The small time we haue beene at Sea hath made me take notice of your disorderly sayling from your Admi­ralls of the seuerall squadrons you may perceaue how the Dutch squadron keepe themselues entire, and apart. This is therefore to require you to fall into your owne squadron to attend such directions as shall come from your Admirall and not to depart without licence from him, or his Officers to make one entire body, to sayle in the day time in faire and cleare weather a league or more from anothers squadron, and towards night to drawe neare, to followe lights in your seuerall places, and to take an especiall care that you doe not chase, but vpon a great possibilitie for hindring our speede or loosing of time while the wind is faire, and that you in the day time beare all the sayle you can to bring vs to the place desired, and if any chase, it shalbe 2 or 3 of the best saylors in your squadron. Dated the 11 of Octob. Commanding them to pervse theire other Artickles euery day that they might be expert in them.

Wednesday the 19 in the morning we were in the height of the Cape, and discouered 11 sayle of shippes, which we chased thinking they had beene enemie, but they proued to be of our owne, being the Vice-Admi­rall [Page 7] my Lord of Essex, also this day we discouered about 40 sayle more which had lost vs in the storme, being my Lord Denbigh, my Lord de la Ware, and others.

At the same time my Lord of Denbigh mett with a small Caruell a Portugall that came from Terceras we tooke him to haue beene our discouerer for the Enemie. but he was only driuen by the storme from the Terceras going to an Island not farre distant called Gratiosa he told vs the plate fleete was not come, but that 5 Carrickes passed by that waye bound for Lisbon some 14 dayes be­fore that time, but that one of them was sunke, if we had come sooner out, they could not haue escaped vs.

We vnderstood by those that came with my Lord of Essex that they made fiers along the Coasts, and vp the Countrie which when we drew nigher we discouered.

Thursday the 20 I called a Counsell and lay all day by the lee to gather our shippes together that were missing. The businesse of the Counsell was how to put into Saint Lucas according to the intent of a Counsell held at Pli­mouth where his Majestie was present who vpon the doubtfullnesse there of the resolution thought good to referre it to our consideration vpon the place when wee should be arriued vpon better inquirie of the conuenien­cies & disaduantages both for going into the Harbour & landing our Armie. It was deliuered by the opinion of most of the Maisters that the Hauen of S. Lucas is so bar­red as it is hard and dangerous both for the going in and comming out especially for shipps of burthen as his Ma­jesties are that they could not passe in nor out, but only in spring tides, in calmes seasons, and with fauoring windes nor ride safe all weathers without the Bay. And it was obserued by others: that the most part of the Mai­sters of the fleete will hardly aduenture to carrie theire [Page 8] shipps in or out at Saint Lucas in the best tydes and wea­ther for want of perfect knowledge of the sands and shoales that are there, and the right vse of the landmarkes whereby that Pott is to be gained and quitted in safetie. Besides it was feared that if we should put the whole fleete into such a straight, we should be more apt to be blocked vp by our Enemies then to annoy them, neither could any shippe come speedily out to haue encontred with the plate fleete our cheefe designe. Then I demaun­ded both of the Sea Captains & Maisters why they could not speake of this difficulties before his Maiestie. Their answere was, it is now in the deapth of winter & stormy, and that they did tell his Maiestie that it was a Barrd Ha­uen and dangerous to all men, especially to those that had not often passed it, and that being vpon the place they could consider more perticulerly vpon the difficulties then discourse of it when they were farre of. So that I could say no more to them, being I was no great Sea­man, and that I was stricktly tyde to theire advice that did professe the Sea. Where vpon it being propounded by Sir Sam: Argall that Saint Mary Porte neare the Bay of Cadiz, and not farre distant from Saint Lucas was a lowe shoare and more fitt for the landing of our men then any place about Saint Lucas (for we could find none there) and that our shippes might haue good riding there out of the danger of Cadiz, and that from thence we might march to Saint Lucas by land, which was not 12 miles distant.

There vpon it was resolued and ordred by the advice of the Councell of Warre that the whole fleete should forthwith beare into the Bay of Cadiz & that the whole fleete should ancker before Saint Mary Porte, as the fittest place to land in, and the Earle of Essex Vice-Admirall [Page 9] is assigned with his squadron to anckor first, and to leaue birth sufficiently for the rest of the fleete, and that my selfe, and the Dutch Admirall should anckor next, that I might the better giue directions both to the Vice-Ad­mirall and Reare-Admirall who anckored some what short of me by order, to guard the whole fleete and to giue warning vpon all occasions if any Enemie should approach.

Fryday the 21 we stood according to directions, the wind scanted vpon vs all that day, about 8 or 9 of the clocke at night the wind shifted westerly, we strucke a hull (for that we could not put to leeward) till towards day, which appearing we sett sayle, and had a sight of Gra­nado ouer Cadiz, and bore in accordingly with a good saile the wind being betweene the west south west and the north west.

Saterday the 22 after this, resolution was taken, I gaue order as before when we discouered the Rocke, that euery shippe should breake downe their Cabines and cleare theire shippe of all impediments and to be ready to fight vpon all occasions according to their generall in­structions giuen them to that purpose, for that we were to enter in at the Bay of Cadiz and knew not what ships might be there, and because of the tyde that serued vs to goe into the Bay, I wrote to my Lord of Essex to make all the hast he could, and to hoyse vp all his sayles that we might saue as much of the tyde as we could, and that I would againe commaund his squadron to follow him, which I did but I must confesse they went the most vn­towardly that euer I did see men, for they did not hoyse vp all their sayles as they were commanded. Seeing the Vice-Admirall packe on all his, I followed as fast as I could, and cryed out to them to hoyse their sayles & ad­vaunce, [Page 10] some of them increased theire sayles, but not much. But I could neuer learne by all the Seamen in my shippe to know those shippes that were so backward and when I did inquire, euery man excused himselfe saying it was not he, and our businesse grew so hott that I could not immediately inquire after it any further not kno­wing the shippes one from another.

This day we tooke 3 shippes that came from Saint Lu­cas which Captain Raymond brought in loaden with salt, wines, wooll, figges, raisins & some cutchaneale &c. who said they belonged to Hamburgh and to Calis, but were conceaued by much probabilitie to be Dunkerks goods.

In our approach into the Bay we discouered 18 or 20 sayle of great and small shippes at anckor in the Roade which proued to be the Admirall of Naples and 5 or 6 more that brought men and munition into Cadiz, 6 other of the shippes came from Brazeile & 5 or 6 more men of warre and Marchants shippes, we made ready and prepared our shippe for fight, but such was the smalnesse of the Gayle that it was 2 or 3 of the clocke before we could gett within the Porcas, also there came out of Saint Mary Port 15 sayle of Gallyes whereof the Duke of Her­mandina was commaunder; 5 of the Gallyes were by our shippes that came in forced to retire againe to Saint Mary Port, the other 10 recouered Puntall amongst their shippes and presently towed them vp toward Port Royall. And I was not so farre of, but I could see the Spanish shippes that did cutt their Cables by the haulse, shoote first at my Lord of Essex and he at them, so likewise did my Lord of Valentia and Sir Iohn Chudeleigh.

Now when all the fleete came to anckor according to the orders that were giuen them, & that we did see these shippes fledde from vs. I immediately called a generall [Page 11] counsell to loose no time for it was late, and the opinion of the Seamen was, that if I could but cleare the 2 fortes to secure the fleete to passe in safety, I might haue a rea­dy way to vndertake the shipping. Then I demaunded of them what kind of forts they were, they told me that 20 Colliers with some of the Dutch would beate them to dust before the morning, where vpon I & the Coun­sell being caled did presētly resolue that the ships warned and commaunded should goe vp to the forts, and that they should receaue directions from my Lord of Essex that had order from me, and because of that I sent Sir Michel Geere for the better dispatch to warne 20 of the next shippes that hee could meete with all, and to bring me theire names in writing, and Sir Thomas Loue offred him a man to goe with him to write them downe to be the more sure of them, because I meant, if they had failed in a seruice of that importance to haue punished them seuerely. But he neuer came backe to me nor sent me any names, and when I sent to him to know the reason, he told the messenger, he had warned them, but he knew not theire names.

After this I sent Sir Thomas Loue to aduance the o­ther shippes and to see whether the Reare-Admirall had anckored in a convenient place for the securitie of the fleete, & to haue an eye vpon the Gallies that they should do no harme in the night, although there are some that are of opinion that they might haue beene stopped, but it seemes they are no great Seamen, or els that few of the Sea-men did vnderstand how to stoppe them, for when Gallies can rowe against the wind I would faine know how shippes can do them any harme, or intercept them, and when they haue the wind with theire oares what shippe can fetch them vp, so that he that saith this [Page 12] ought first to learne thus much before he giue his opini­on, he likewise had order from me to frustrate all strata­gems of the Enemie which might happen by sending fier amongst our shipps, and to commaund and admonish the rest of the commaunders to repaire to their seuerall places.

At the same time I sent Sir Francis Carew (who was ready vpon all occasions) to the Dutch Admirall to de­sire that 5 of his shippes might goe vp for the battering of Puntall, and that I would send twentie of the fleete to assist them, which he graunted willingly, and sent them forthwith, it was by this time darke night and we could heare the Report of the Ordnance, and see the fier giuen on both sides and knew no other but that the twentie shippes warned by Sir Michel Geere were all there at this, but sending to see what was done, word was brougt to vs that there was none there but the 5 Dutch shippes which shewes the difference of men practised at Sea, and of them that are not, I was much troubled here at.

Now vpon this neglect of Sir Michel Geere I did in­stantly giue order that 40 sayle of shippes should be listed by name and commaunded to vse all diligence to gett vp to the fort betimes in the morning as by the list may ap­peare and by this warrant to that purpose viz:

The Admirall doth straightly charge & commaund all the commaunders of these shippes vpon sight of this or billets of it, that they be ready with theire shippes in the morning betimes to assaile the fort of Puntall to land men according to directions and to pursue the shippes of the Enemie with all diligence, and to follow such directi­ons therein as shalbe giuen to such as shalbe appointed in that kind. Aboard the Anne Royall at 10 of the clocke at night 22 of Octob. 1625.

[Page 13]More ouer I made choice & appointed 8 commaun­ders out of the rest, that if any of the Kings shippes fall of, they might take theire place to lead vp the other ships as well against the fort as the Spanish shippes & Gallies.

Afterwards Sir Thomas Loue and I did the same night aduise with certaine Captains and Maisters best experien­ced in that place, to perswade them to conduct vp the shippes, which they would not vndertake neither had any of them been at Port Royall or were perfect in the Chan­nell which was somewhat difficult for want of water.

On Sonday the 23 I was vp by 3 of the clock in the mor­ning & after we had all receaued the communion aboard the Anne Royall which was a weeke before ordained by the chaplaines, I was vnwiling to differ so good a motiō being that it hindred no time and as soone as day came on, I commanded my Maister to carry vp the ship to Pun­tall, his answere was that there was not water enough to carrie her vp. Where vpon to loose no time I tooke Barge with Sir Thomas Loue and those Gentlemen that were with me in my shippe, and went from shippe to shippe crying out to them to aduance to Puntall for shame, and vpon paine of theire liues, and those I could not speake with all, I sent Sir Thomas Loue to, with as strickt a commaund as I could deuise, and finding some of them not very hastie. I saw no other way to bring them vp but by example, it made me goe to my Lord of Essex his shippe, and gaue directions to his Lordship for his shippe to goe vp, & to bring her as nigh Puntall as possi­bly we could, telling my Lord that if we did not aduance, the rest would come at leasure, for that I did not see ma­ny make hast. Where vpon my Lord commaunded Cap­tain Argall to hoyse sayle and as soone as we came nigh the fort they shotte our shippe twice together thorough [Page 14] and thorough the very midst of her within a foote at least of the water and mist no shippe they shott at, and kild as many commaunders of ours besides soldiers as we killed in all of theirs.

The fort of Puntall that I was told would be beaten to dust in a night did receaue 1700 shott and not one stone remoued out of his place, and we endeauored to gett vp all the shippes we could, that we might make the more hast to fire the Spanish shippes, that were retired to Port Royall according to my instructions that I gaue the night before to batter Puntall and to fier the ships at once as I haue shewne before.

But I could not gett the shippes to come vp, and most of the Kings shippes were on ground, and it was almost night before the fort would yeild, at lenght it was not to the shippes that it yeilded but to the Landmen, and if the Captain had no more reason then I could perceaue he deserued to haue beene hanged for yeilding that which we could neuer haue gorten without cannon, and we had no meanes to land Ordnance (wanting our long boates. And I dare say it before the best Soldier, that for the bignesse of 100 foote square, I did neuer see a stron­ger nor better built, nor such a kinde of stone, that no bullett did it much harme. We plaid vpon it with all the shipps excepting the Reare-Admirals squadron till about 2 or 3 of the clocke in the afternoone. I finding that it would not batter and our honours were much ingaged, I told my Lord of Essex, and some other Officers that were there in the shippe that we should loose our la­bours and neuer gett the forte if some men were not lan­ded to take it in by a Scallado and with Granadoes. I could find no man to contradict it. And Sir Iohn Burgh being next to me, I desired him that he would vnder­take [Page 15] the seruice, he told me very willingly, and desired his owne Regiment, I told him that would spend to much time, and that it were better to take some of the Compa­nies next him to make the more hast with which he was contented so, I sent to gett some 10 or 11 Companyes, he asked me what directions I would giue. I directed him to land them as free from the canon as he could he made answer that directly to the Scōce (as he thought) was best. I then replied that I left it to his discretion for that I knew him to be discreete enough, & that he must act it. But he sending some Officers to land which were lost by that direction it was found the way that I had spoken of was the better. When he had landed his men very well, and had advaunced towards the land there did aduaunce some horse and foote with whome he sker­midged and put them to retreate and afterwards advaun­ced towards the forte, when the soldiers in the forte whereof Don Francisco de Bustiamente was Captain saw our men aduaunce and theire men retire they hung out a white flagge or hand kercher, there vpon we parlied, and so the fort was yeilded vpon ordinarie conditions and we Maisters of it. Wherein was, only 8 peeces of ordi­naunce whereof the Dutch had two, and we 6, and 10 or 15 Barrells of powder. This day was wholly spent in bringing vp the shippes, landing our men and taking the forte, so that nothing could be done against the Ene­mies shippes which was theire aduantage. It was about 9 of the clocke before the forte was ours at which time I tooke my leaue of my Lord of Essex, and went home as­suring our selues that the shippes were our owne being Maisters of the forte.

Vpon Monday the 24 I went early in the morning a­bout 6 of the clocke to my Lord of Denbigh, and spake [Page 16] thus to him: you are no ould Seaman, and therefore I would desire you to make all the haste you can, and to gather all the Seamen togither that are of the counsell & others, and to desire them to thinke of rhe best way how they might fier, or distroy those ships of the Enemy, that fled from vs. There vpon he came backe with me, and promised to goe about that businesse without any delay, which he did very carefully, and punctually, that was ac­cording to my instructions, to giue preheminence to Seamen in Sea busiinesse, and vnto Landmen in land af­faires.

Now I made no account but as they said the shippes were our owne, and that because they made so sleight of it, they knew more then I did, how to sett vpon them.

Then I thought it not amisse to land some compa­nies to secure Sir Iohn Burgh, to preuent that neither the Enemy from the Towne, nor from the continent might ingage them vnwares. As also that the shippes might be the more empty, and free to assault the Spanish ships and to refresh the Soldiers, and for taking in of fresh water; but with no designe of Cadiz, for that it was deli­uered to his Maiestie before we went, that it was extra­ordinary fortified, (as we found it when we came to viewe it) & I hastened this preparation the rather that our ships might speedely putt in execution what course so­euer the Seamen should resolue vpon. So order was gi­uen presently that all the troopes in my Lord of Essex his squadrō, & in mine, were immediately landed but few of the Landmen of the Rere-Admiralls squadron were landed at all; for they were kept (that if we could haue found any meanes to be had for vndertaking of Cadiz) to be landed. After this most of the Land Officers of the feeld mett at the fort, and I tooke order for victualls [Page 17] for the Soldiers on land, to be brought to Puntall but I was much troubled at some of the Officers, that the Sold­iers with Sir Iohn Burgh had not carried biskett in their knapsackes, being that I gaue a generall order to the Ser­geant Major Generall, that when any Soldier should land they should bring victualls with them, for that the knap­sackes were ordained for nothing els, as I did keepe mine owne order my selfe, for that all my voluntary Gentle­men, and seruants did carry their victualls in knapsacks, yea not so much as my chaplin, but carried his knapsacke.

The Officers of the feeld, and all considering what was to be done, and taking care for the prouision of the soldiers, Sir Michel Gere comes in, and tould the coun­sell; the Enemy with many troopes were marching to­wards vs, vpon this I tould the rest of the counsell, if it were true, it would be more aduantage for vs to meete them farre off from the towne, then to stay till the towne and they should fall vpon vs both waies, where vpon euery one made himselfe ready, and I gaue order that the troopes should be ready to march, for that we had newes by one that did see them march. There vpon we marched, but when we had marched some 6 miles or there abouts, I called to some of the Counsell of warre, & tould them; it seemes that this alarme is false, and as the Counsell of warre was gathering together, came in my Lord of Valentia whoe rid before to discouer, and tould vs, that the Enimy was marching, then I commaunded the troopes to aduance, but no complaint made of any want of victuall, but by those that landed with Sir Iohn Burgh, whoe in regard of that wāt had order to goe back. For they that would haue carried any, might haue had enough, there being store at the fort, besides the ge­nerall order I gaue, that no Soldier should land without [Page 18] victualls. Within 2 miles of the Bridge, the Soldiers be­gan to crye, they had neither meate, nor drinke, and the day they marched was a very hott daye, here I rode before to quarter the Army, and to discouer the avenues, and passages, and as I came backe one came to me and told me, there was somme wine in a seller, and that if it were deliuered out in order, it would serue to refresh the Soldiers that wanted both bred, and drinke. But little did I thinke that all the Cuntry was full of wine, & knowing of no more then of one seller, I gaue order, that euery Regiment should haue a proportion of wine, which I did see deliuered with mine owne eyes. If euery Officer had seene it as well distributed as they were directed, it would haue done them good, not harme. But when other Magazines were discouered (for the prouision for the West-Indies was rhere) there was no keeping of the Soldiers from it, but the best way we could deuise, was to staue it, and lett the wine runne out, which Sir Will­iam Saint Leger the Sergeant Major Generall bestowed some time about; But when this was done, the Soldiers neuerthelesse would drinke it in the sand, & dirty places.

Now this disorder, made vs of the Counsell of warre to consider that since the going to the Bridge was no greate designe, but to meet with the Enemy, & to spoile the Cuntry, neither could we victuall any men, that should be left there, and that the Gallies might land as many men as they would to cutt them off, & that when my Lord of Essex tooke Cadis, Coniers Clissord, was tax­ed by Sir Francis Vere (which is yet to be seen in his dis­course written by himselfe) to mistake his directions, that were giuen him, to goe no farther then the troate of the land frō the Town, which was not aboue 2 miles, where he might be seconded and relieued & be ready to relieue others, but he went to the Bridge 12 miles off, so in re­gard [Page 19] there was no necessity, this disorder happening and want of victualls, we resolued to turne back againe, as wee did, and when the troopes were within 3 or 4 miles of the Town; I rode before to see if that which the slaues tould (which rendred them selues to me) were true; that the Bullworks were high, the town walls flankerd, and the dich was 20 foote deepe, cutt out of the Rock, but that I could not see, the Bullworks, and walls I did, which when Cadiz before was taken there was no such thing. And I haue ben so long at the warrs, that I dare vndertake, that they whoe thinke that Cadiz was to be taken cannot tell how to come to it, without canon, if there were none but women in it.

For in our profession, there are but 3 waies to take any Town, the first by surprize, the second by assault, & the third by approches, & we were no waies able to attempt it by any of theis meanes. Now after I had visited as much as I could, the troopes being quartred (which I did my selfe) I desired the Colonells to comme together, to con­ferre what was best to be donne, and to lett them know that now the troopes were quartred in a fitt place, if any out of his experience could thinke there were any way for vs to vndertake the Town of Cadiz, it would be a great honour to vs, and a seruice acceptable to our King, & State. When I propounded this, we were all on horse­back standing round in a Ring, but I found not one man of that opinion, that it was feaseable, so wee quartred that night.

On Tuesday the 25 in the morning there was a motiō sēt from Sir Tho: Loue, that if we would march some 4 or 5 miles distant we might recouer some boates, that would serue our turne in steed of long boats, which we condis­cended vnto for our cōmodity, & that the Enemy should see, that we did not march back again to shunne them, so [Page 20] we marched forthwards againe, & brought those boates to the water side, and made as much spoile as it was pos­sible for vs to doe, of masts, netts, and other prouisions for fishing and shipping for the West-Indies fleet to a good valewe, especially the masts that would haue ser­ued the greatest shippe the King hath. Then we retor­ned to our old quarter.

Wednesday the 26 in the morning, the Colonells mett at Puntall to consider what we were best to doe; but before we did any thing, I sent to Sir Samuell Argall, to knowe what he had done touching the fiering of the Enemies shippes, and that it seemed very strange to me that the exploite which was so easy, was not done, he sent me word that the reason whye he went no sooner was because of the winde and tyde, and that he thought he was not able to doe much, vnderstanding by a Dutch boye that swam away from the Enimy, that they had sunke diuers shippes, that it was not possible to doe any thing, which afterwards he discouered to be true, and if they had not ben blocked, I think it is a question amongst Seamen, whether they could haue been assaulted, for that the place was so straight thar no more then two of our shippes could come in brest to them, and was the reason that the late Lord of Essex who tooke Cadiz, could send no ships there to doe the Enemy harme, but what they did them selues.

This being deliuered to me in the Company of the Colonells, made vs all much greeued. Where vpon it was thought fitte he should retire with the squadron, hauing resolued to imbarque our Landmen, and to stay no longer in regard the time was now comme, that the plate fleete was expected. So order was giuen that euery Regiment should imbarque accordingly, as they did [Page 21] quarter, and that the farthest Regiment should make their retreate, fighting and retiring. But (I know not how it happened) some of the troopes were ingaged farther then they had order or reason, yet at length they came off without any great losse.

I sent also Maister Ielf the Maister Gunner of the feeld to Sir Thomas Loue, that some men might be sent to the fort to dismount the ordinance, and the 6 peeces were putt a board the Conuertiue of his Maiestie, I sent to him likewise for all the boates to reshippe our men.

After I had seen all the troopes imbarqued, I found some horses left behind, I made the horseboates shippe them that night, though it were late, and gaue order that the fort should be kept all night till we were ready, and likewise commaunded the boates should be brought to receiue all the Landmen, that had the watch in the fort that night.

Fryday the 28 about 2 in the afternoone all the fleet fell downe from the fort, and came to anckor without the Diamond, a little belowe Cadiz: One of the Dutch men of warre being defectiue was burnt, the Enemie sent a shippe full of wildfiere and combustible matters but we preuented it, tooke the shippe, and sunke it. There came 3 of the fleet vnto vs here, whoe were left behind in En­gland and had not ben with vs before.

After this, we tooke 2 things into our consideration, especially one, not to omitt the meeting with the plate fleete, if it were possible for vs to be so happy. The other was to haue landed at Saint Mary Port, if the wind should not serue the fleet to goe out of the Bay of Ca­diz, because we would loose no time but doe somewhat. But (as ill luck was) the wind came good euen as we were in counsell, and before we could fully conclude, [Page 22] allthough all was resolued to stand for the plate fleete. And if we had not taken the winde at that instant, it might haue ben, we had not come out in a long time, & being imbayed & in a great deale of danger, if a storme had taken vs, we had ben likely to haue ben driuen vpon a liegh shoare.

The resolution in the Bay of Cadiz aboard the Anne Royall the 29 of Octob. was. That the whole fleete shall presently sett sayle, and plye to the southward Cape, and stand off to the westward 60 leagues from the land where I purpose to spend as much time as may be to looke for the Spanish fleet, that comes from the West-Indies, and to keepe your selues as neare as you can, in the latitudes of 37 and 37½ and in the latitude of 36 and 26½, farther to the southward I intend not to goe.

What other instructions shalbe thought fitting you shall receiue as occasion presents, in the meane time charging all commaunders to obserue this directions, & to keepe company with me, and the fleet, and to looke out and seize vpon the subiects, and goods of the King of Spaine, or other Enemy.

This afternoone a generall Counsell was called, for the resoluing to send some the most defectiue shippes, with the horse ships, and the prizes, with some land sickmen, whereof there was great store.

Sonday the 30. we sett saile againe though with a contrary wind, this day we had 4 shippes in chace but could not fetch them vp.

Monday the last, the wind came westerly, yet could we not come forth of the Bay.

A generall Counsell was called touching the diuers complaints of the defects of ships as the Rainbowe, the golden Cock, and others, wherefore it was resolued, that [Page 23] we should plye towards the Isles of Bayon, to take in fresh water, and repaire our defects as well as we could. This day Tuesday the first of Nouember & Wednesday the 2 the wind was at north west faire wether.

Thursday the 3 the wind was at north east and by east, in the night we had a calme which continued all Fry­day, & by a Generall consent (though wee were in great want of water nor hauing much beer, which was our onely defect) to stay till the 20 of November. But it pleased God so to lay his heauy hand vpon vs, that it made vs all astonished, for I could here of nothing, but that euery day there fell downe so many, and so sodenly, that they had not men enough to handle their sailes, and it is alwayes to be accounted 6 weekes to be allowed to any ship that is homewards bound.

This day in the morning we discouered 3 sayle of shippes to windward the Dreadnaught, being next vnto them, and being calme our barge was mand, and sent af­ter them, whoe comming neere one of the shippes had spent her masts, and was towed by the others vntill the barge came vp, then the other 2 ships forsooke her, ha­uing pillaged, and cutt holes in her, but immediately af­ter our men came a board she suncke, being laden with Suger and Tobacco, and the lyke, being therefore sup­posed to comme from Brasiele, and the other 2 Turkish mē of warr, that had formerly taken her, our barge came back to the Dreadnaught & stayed there all night, and in the morning came vp to vs.

Nothwithstanding I had sundry times before strictly commaunded the Captains and Maisters to stay better by the fleet, which they obserued not, I did againe charge them once more to obserue their directions, that were prescribed them.

[Page 24]Againe diuers complaints were made of the wants, & defects of the ships, and increase of sicknesse.

Saterday the 5. the wind continued at north & north north east faire weather.

Sonday the 6 we tooke a Turkishman of warre of Ar­geere, whoe had taken 2 prizes one from Braziele Ioa­den with Suger, with a Iury mast the other a Scotchman one Iohn Isack dwelling at Douer, whoe was fraugh­ted with wood and Iron from Biskey for Saint Lucas by the King of Spaines subiects, and had an extraordinary fraught promised for his voyage, which showes the great want, that the King hath of Timber or shipping to carry it. The Turke had not offred him any violence, but onely made prize of his goods, and promised the Maister his fraught at Argeere; so I discharged him againe, taking out some English Renegadoes that were willing to leaue him.

The night following, the Turke went away from vs with the Braziele prize, the Scotchmā stayed with vs still.

Monday the 7 we discouered 9 or 10 saile of shippes to the leward, we bore vp, and found them to be of our own fleet, whoe had carelesly lost Company, which as now so diuers times before had occasioned vs to chase our own men, whereby our course was much hindred.

Tuesday the 8 a generall Counsell was held, where­by it was ordred, that 6 of the Coleships should present­ly goe for England, with 3 of the Dutch prizes, & the horse-shippes, whereof Captain Pokinhorne being ap­pointed Admirall, had warrant, and instructions accor­dingly, but before their departure, the Rainebow being found very defective, and the Captain Sir Iohn Chidu­leigh being very sicke, went home Admirall of theis shippes.

[Page 25]One of the prizes called the Readhart whereof Hu­ghe Bullock tooke charge, was wanting this 2 dayes, and went for England without any order from me like an vnworthy person.

Likewise one of the hoye-shippes caled the Trewe Loue was not seen in the fleet since we came forth.

This day and wednesday the 9 we being in the lati­tude of 37, laye theise 2 daies at hull.

Thursday the 10 Sir Michel Geere whoe had ben wan­ting 5 dayes came to vs whoe went willfully from vs, without leaue, and when his maister tould him of it, he beate him with a Cudgell, which is against all discipline, and reason, his Maister hauing had better commaund before, then euer he had.

This day I gaue the Captains their instructions, if we mett with the West-India fleet, how to dispose and or­der them selues.

This day I sent aboard the Dreadnaught for 10 tuns of beere that were putt into her for the vse of the Anne Royall, but the company aboard mutined, and would not deliuer it, neither would the Captain and Maister acknowledge who were the Mutineeres, so that we wan­ted this Iorny 50 tuns of beere which were carried for vs, which made vs liue many dayes vpon beueradge.

Fryday the 11 of November I called a generall Coun­sell, where it was ordred, that the Saint George of the Kings, who had 150 sick men in her, for the safety of his Maiesties shippe, and of those that were yet well, that euery shippe should spare them 2 men and take 2 sick men in their steed, which they did.

This day the shippes that were to goe for England were dismissed, and sett saile a little before night.

A Soldier that belonged to the Antony, of Captain [Page 26] Blague was duckt at the main yarde arme of the Anne Royall for being mutinous against the Seamen.

Saterday the 12 and Sonday the 13 faire wether, the wind north east.

Monday the 14 I called a Counsell occasioned by the seuerall cōplaints made of many ships, especially the Cō ­uertiue of his Maiesties cōmaunded by Captain Porter, hauing but 20 sound men to handle their sailes, where­fore it was ordred that the Reformatiō should send 6 mē aboard her, & one of the worst Catches (being by suruey found vnable to continue the voyage, & valewed at 55 pound) was sunck & the men put into the Conuertiue.

Likewise there were 6 men taken out of other ships & put aboard the Talbott. Captain Burden which ship was in great want of men, and generally all the shippes com­plained of the like defects.

Tuesday the 15 and Wednesday the 16 the wind nor­therly, & much wind. Thursday the 17 the wind north west faire wether. We gaue chase to some shippes that were farre a head of vs, whome we found to be my Lord of Essex and some of his squadron whome we had not seen in many dayes before. Nothwithstanding the often & great complaints before generally throughout, amōgst the rest came Sir Sam: Argall from my Lord of Essex to lett me knowe in what bad estate his shippe was hauing but 15 in a watch to handle their sailes, desiring me that I would call a Counsell, for that he imagined other ships were in as bad estate as he, what we resolued he would agree vnto. Where vpon a Counsell was called, at which Counsell I forbore to make knowen the defects of the An Royall, that were as much as any ship in the fleet, & made me the rather beleeue the Generall complaints, as you shall vnderstand when I speake of my comming into Ireland, & I desired to know how euery ones case stoode, [Page 27] & whether it were not possible for vs to haue gone for the Isles of Bayon. Then Sir Samuell Argall, & the rest of the best Seamē that were present (by whome we were to be guided) gaue their opinion, that if we went for the Is­lāds of Bayō in this miserable estate we were now in, we might as well perish there as at Sea, by reason we should find no relief there for our sick men, nor should we gett on shore there for water in any stormy wether; and that wind which would carry vs for Englād, would not serue to comme out of the Islands of Bayon, & that if the wind should shorten going for England, we might at the worst retorne for Bayon, & that all men of experience did cer­tainly affirme, that the Plate fleet, did neuer comme after Novemb. The Counsell of warre vpon this necessity of sicknes, want of men & sundry cōplaints of want of beere & water & many leakes discouered, resolued vpon the 17 of Nouember, to bend the course directly homeward, & putt into Faimouth, Plymouth or Porthmouth, which could be first and most conveniently obtained, which re­solution if we had not taken, we had endāgered the grea­test part of the whole fleet. Fryday the 18. Saterday the 19. Sonday the 20. and Monday the 21 many violent gusts of wind, and raine. Tuesday the 22 in regard of the contrary wind, and fearing a necessity, we came to a shorter allowance a board the Anne Royall.

Wednesday the 23. Thursday the 24. Fryday the 25. and Saterday the 26 continuall vehement gusts of wind & raine, and Saterday night the wether began to be more moderate. Euer since our first setting forward for En­gland, the fleet hath ben scattred more and more, so that this day we had but 4 ships in Company with vs, which disorder would haue ben aduantageous for the Enemy if they had sett vpon vs.

Sonday the 27 in the afternoone it began to blowe [Page 28] hard, and about 2 of the clocke in the afternoone, our foreyard broake in fower peeces and our foresaile rent.

Monday the 28 we tooke downe our maine misane mast and fitted it for a foreyard.

Tuesday the 29 our spritsaile rent, we were forced to take it downe, this day we had onely 2 shippes & one Catch in our company.

Wednesday the 30 the winde west-south-west faire wether.

Thursday the first of December and Fryday the 2 the winde being contrary we lay at leigh and fished our fore­mast which we feared the breaking off.

Saterday the 3 the wind Northerly, fowle wether.

Sonday the 4 the wind southwest towards night more westerly, the Sea ran exceeding high.

Monday the 5 the wind westerly, little wind.

Tuesday the 6 the wind at east, at night more sou­therly this night wee sounded and had 80 fathome wa­ter.

Wednesday the 7 Thursday the 8 and Fryday the 9 the wind easterly about 4 of the clocke in the after­noone vve discouered Silly vvhich did beare south east, then vve stood about to the southward.

Saterday the 19 the vvind continued at east: The Maister and the Company vvere very earnest to goe for Ireland, by reason the shippe vvas very leaky, the men vveake, and vve being to the leevvard of Silly, and the vvind still contrary, and violent, and if we should haue ben driuen to the vvestvvard of Ireland, vve might en­danger the losse of the shippe, and our selues.

Vpon this necessity I condiscended there vnto, for that vve could not haue endured 4 dayes, such vvas her leake, and about 10 of the clocke before noone vvee bore vp.

[Page 29]The 11 being Sonday, the vvinde at east at 9 in the morning we discouered land at the going into Corke, so vve stood to the vvestvvard, and at 3 in the afternoone came to an anckor at Kinsall, where vve found his Ma­iesties shippes the Antelop, & the Phenix whoe assisted vs with their boates to bring vs into the harbour. And this my ill fortune turned to good fortune both for the releef of his Maiesties shippes, and the troopes and all­though I had but small store of mony (not hauing with me at the first but 2000 pounds w^ch was to victuall the shippes, and to releeue all necessities) which if I had not had, we had ben all in a miserable case, yet I made shift to relieue the Soldiers, and the Officers (saue only a shippe of Captain Butlers, who fell vpon the North-coast of Ireland) without bringing the King into debt, vntill my Lord President Villers of Munster by order from your Lordships receiued them into his charge, where we receaued newes that Captain Burleyes shippe was foundred in the Sea, but most of the Officers were saued, as they were here I came, comming for the Coasts of Ireland.

Here I came with 160 sick men in my shippe 130 cast ouer board, with a leake of aboue 6 foote water in the hould, and her leake was not in one place alone, but in many, for when she was in harbour she was not so leaky, but when she was at Sea, she tooke in 3 foote of water in 24 howers, she was so ould and so decayed a shippe.

Monday the 12 the sick men were carried a shoare for their recouery and billetted.

Wednesday the 14 hauing landed our sick men, we carined our shippe, stopped her leakes, and mended her as well as time and place would permitt, we tooke in [Page 30] ballast, wood, water, beer, and other prouisions, and fit­ted our shippe for the first faire wind to be ready to sett saile.

On Sonday the 18 about 3 in the afternoone his Ma­iesties shippe rhe Constant Reformatiō, came into this Harbour, hauing spent both their fore-mast, and main-mast, and constrayned to cutt away their broken masts, yards, sailes and ropes, to preuent farther danger.

The Reformation being so defectiue, that she could not goe home till she were furnished with masts, and other necessaries, from England, for the ease of his Ma­iesties charge we tooke out her men, and putt them in­to the Aune Royall, leauing her onely 120 men, where­of many were such sick men, as of our shippe must otherwise be left behind, not able to doe seruice, and vi­ctualled her out of the other ships for 4 moneths from the first of Ianuary.

The Globe of London, whereof Captain Stokes was Commaunder, being at an ancker in the harbour at Bal­temore, was by extremity of fowle wether driuen a shore, and cast away. I directed a commission to Sir William Hull, and others for the safe custody, of what could be saued in the behalf of the King, and the pro­priators.

Sir Iohn Chidly being with his Maiesties shippe at Crooke-hauen, (who departed the 8 of November from vs, and was driuen into Ireland) there came in a small barque laden with Iron from Bilbowe, wherein also were 4 Iesuites, he made stay of the barque and preests, and by my order brought them into England.

The 19 of Ianuary there came into Kinsall a shippe from Lisbon, loaden with salt 3 cheasts of Suger, & some Tobacco, and suspecting them to be Dunkerkes goods, [Page 31] brought them for England.

The Dutch men aboard this ship whoe came from Lisbon, and had serued the Spaniard, did certainly affir­me, that they sawe diuers letters from Cadiz, that the fleete came in 4 daies after our comming out of Cadiz Bay, and that there were 100 Caruells sent to haue stop­ped them, but that none of them could meete with the Plate fleet, for they came by the coast of Barbary. So that if any of 3 accidents had happined that followe, we had ben Maisters of the Spanish fleet. The first is if the Counsell had condiscended to me to haue kept Puntall for 14 dayes; the second if the wind had not changed, as it did. The last, if the Plate-fleete had kept the course they euer haue done theis 40 yeares, for they had no manner of newes of vs, and had then comme amongst vs, and if we had stayed in the Bay, they had donne the like, but man proposeth and God determines.

The same men affirme that in Iuly last, there were not 4 barrells of powder in all Lisbon.

I remained in Kingsall on ship-board (saue onely that it pleased my Lord President of Munster, and the Earle of Corke to doe me the honour to fetch me to Pohall, where I remained the holly-daies whilest my shippe was making ready) till the 28 of Ianuary winde bound.

Saterday the 28 I sett saile about 12 of the clocke from Kinsall, there come out with vs six more of our fleete, the prize called the Greyhound, and the shippe from Lisbon.

Sonday the 29 about 3 of the clocke in the morning being a great storme, and the wind contrary at south south east we bore vp againe for Ireland, the wether was [Page 32] so foggy and darke, that we durst not come neere the shore, but stood to the westward.

Monday the 30 about in the morning, the wether clea­ring vp we stood in for the shore, but about 10 in the fore noone it was raine and foggy wether, so we could not marke the land vntill we were to the Leeward of Crooke-hauen, which we could not recouer, but about 3 in the afternoone we came into Beere-hauen, with foule wether, and much winde, all the shippes lost vs, but the next day (onely the 2 prizes) came in.

I putt to Sea three times against all Seamens opini­on, that desired to see a wind settled before we should goe out. But my desire was such not to loose any time, that I did not harken to any.

From the 3 of February till the 19 we lay in Beere-hauen, hauing the wind still contrary, and stormy we­ther.

The 19 of February, the winde being at north faire wether we weyed anckor, and sett saile about noone, but so soone as we came out of the harbour, we found the wind north east, and the night following was very much wind, raine, haile, snowe, and the wind va­riable.

Monday the 20 about 1 in the morning we stood in againe for the shoare, and about two in the afternoone came to an anckor at Crooke-hauen, with the wind at east, where we found the Rainbowe of the Kings, the Dragon, and the Prudence.

Finding the shippe very leaky, we mended her here the second time, the harbour being fitter then any other, for the carining her.

Here I staid till the 24 of February and then putt to [Page 33] Sea againe, intending to haue come for Porthmouth, but when we came vpon the Coast there arose a great storme, and the vvether grewe very darke and foggy, that we could not marke the Isle of Weight, so we stood for the downs, where we arriued the last of February, and after our long stay came in 5 dayes 500 miles.