A LIST OF Several Ships Belonging to ENGLISH MERCHANTS, Taken by French Privateers, since December, One thousand six hundred seventy and three.
ALSO A brief Account touching what Applications hath been made for Redress, at the Council-Board, and with the Committee of Trade.
AMSTERDAM, Printed in the Year, 1677.
At the Court at White-Hall, the 4th. of August, 1676.
Present, The KING'S Most Excellent Majesty in Council.
The Right Honourable the Lords of the Committee of Trade did this Day present unto his Majesty in Council, a Report touching the Injuries which his Subjects did sustain by the French Capers, in the Words following.
THere was presented unto your Majesty in Council, on the 31st. of May last, a Petition in the Name of all the Merchants of London, and other Places, concerned in the several Ships Taken by the French Privateers, and carried into several Ports of that Kingdom; And their Complaints consisted of the Points following.
1. That the Ship and Goods of your Subjects though Manned according to the Act of Navigation, and furnished with all necessary Passes, [Page 4]were daily seized carried into Dunkirk, Calais, Sherbrook, and other Ports, the Masters and Marriners kept close Prisoners, to force them by hardship to abuse their Owners, or else for Reliefe of their own necessityes (being commonly striped and plundered) to enter into the Privateers service, which great numbers have done, with very pernitious effects.
2. That the delay and charg of Prosecuting the Law in France, does commonly make the Owners to become Loosers of halfe the Value, when ever they are most Successful.
3. That there is no Reparation ever gotten from Privateers, for what they plunder and imbezzle, which makes them freely seize upon all they meet, and perpetually molest the Navigation of your Subjects.
Wherefore, your Petitioners humbly imploring your Majesties Protection and releife, Your Majesty was hereupon graciously pleased, out of a Sense of your Subjects sufferings, to command that some Frigats should saile forth to cleare the Coast of those Privateers, to seize them, and bring such as had offended to make Restitution. And your Majesty did further Order, That the Committee of Trade, should as well take notice of the particular Cases and Complaints depending, that such of them as were of [Page]Weight and Merit, might be fitted to receive your most gracious Recommendation for Reliefe, as to Survey, the whole number of Seizzures, which have been made on your Subjects, in Order to lay before your Majesty what hardship have been susteyned at Sea, and what sort of Justice hath been administred in France, with their opinions of what is fit to advise your Majesty therein.
In Obedience to which Command, we have hereunto annexed a List of such Ships as have been seized, to the Number of 53. And the Cases wherein the Owners have repaired unto your Majesty, either in your Council, or by your Secretary of State for Relief. Which, as in the general it supposes a Justice in such Complaints, so, it leaves a suspicion of great hardship in the Methods of Redress. And the number of Captures is no small proof of the facility of Condemnation.
How many other helpless men there have been (besides the said Cases) who have not had ability to prosecute, or how many of these Cases have been favoured with Redresse, we cannot certainly understand, till the Information we have sought for, come from Paris, which may also enable us to compleat their circumstances of every Case.
But in the mean time, such of all the Instances of Redresse, as are come to our knowledge, we have not failed, in the Margine, to make mention of them, being in number Seven.
While we were in the mid'st of this Prosecution, Mr. Secretary Coventry, does on the sixth instant, present unto the Committee a Paper, which he received from the French Embassador, Monsieur Courtin, relating to these matters, and the Contents thereof were as follow.
An Extract of a Letter from Monsieur Colbert to Monsieur d' Pompone, written the 28th. of June, 1676.
FOR what concerns the Prizes it would be a difficult matter to Answer to all the Cases contained in Monsieur Courtin's Letter; What I can say, is,
That the Council for Marine Affairs, Sits every Friday at St. Germans.
That all Privateers and Reclaimers know it.
That Sir Ellis Leighton, nominated by the English Embassador hath alwayes notice of it, and is allwayes present at it.
That not a Week passes, but I give him two or three Audiences, and oftentimes I send for him on purpose.
His Reasons are all Reported, Read and Examined.
As likewise are all Petitions of Reclaimers, and I shall tell you more, I acquaint him with the Reasons upon which Judgement is given.
In giving Judgement all Vessells which have any Appearance of being English are Releast, and very often, and almost alwayes, although we are satisfyed that the Ships are Dutch, yet they are released because there is some appearance of their being English; And every thing is Judged favourably for that Nation; And it is true that all Ships that are taken are of Dutch built; That they never were in England; that the Masters and all the equipage are Dutch; That the Documents are for persons unknown, and which are not oftentimes so wuch as named; That they carry with them onely some Sea briefes from Waterford or some other Towne of Ireland or Stotland; That the whole Ships Company Deposes, they were sent to Holland; That we have found on Board three or four Vessells, Bills of Accompts, by which is seen the English take two three and four, Per Cent. For Owning of Ships; And although it is impossible to avoid confiscateing them, yet these are the Ships which make such a noise in England.
In Answer to which Remarques; though it be true that all respect imaginable ought to be given to what Ministers of that Consideration do pronounce, [Page]Yet there being some difference between them who feel the smart, and those who feel it not; we shall insist on some particulars, that your Majesty may discerne whether your Subjects are so fortunate in their freedome of Trade at Sea, or in the helps of Justice when they are seized, as the Report and Information of the Letter would seem to make out. For as it magnifyes the favour which is exercised in France, the facility in all Addresses, and the tendernesse to releive English men in all Complaints, so we cannot on this Subject but owne to your Majesty the very different Resentments we have thereof, for we understand that when English Ships are brought into the Ports of France, many of the Marriners complaining of ill Treatment, and some of Torment, their Papers being seized and their Persons in restraint, till all Examinations are prepared, Then are all the Writings sent up to the Privy Council at St. Germans, and there Judgment definitively given; Seldome are any of the reasons of Condemnation mentioned in the Decree, and never any Appeal or Revision admitted of (So at least it was until the 20th of June last) And whether this be the tendernesse or the Justice which is mentioned we do not know; But we are well assured, that the Methods of your Majesty Clemency, and Justice on like occasions, [Page 9]have been far otherwise. And we appeal to the present Embassador, Monsieur Courtin, if almost in all Cases, that he or any other of the Embassadors thought fit to own (when his Excellency was here before, and your Majesty in War with Holland, seizing many Ships as Prize, and under great suspicion claimed by the French) whether it were not very customary, to have a short Reference, and a summary Examination of all Papers by the Judge of the Admiralty in his Chamber, and that if any thing appeared fair in the Case, whether the Ships were not immediately Released without Law, charge or delay? And 'twil not be out of season, we hope, to annex hereunto the Copy of an Order of the 22th. of July 1665, Signed by the then Lords Commissioners of Prizes, where it will appear, That Eighteen French Ships (which were Laden with Wine and Brandy) being at Dover, and detained as Prize, were all Eighteen by one Order discharged, without any Law, or even the Ceremony of the Judges Examination, being singly on the Credit of the Embassadors Word, affirming that they belonged unto the French.
And as for the matter of Revisions or Appeals, after Sentence in the Court of Admiralty here; We know his Excellency will also remember, that never any man was denied his liberty therein, [Page 10]but on the contrary, your Majesty gave a standing Commission for Appeals in all Cases of Prizes, and filled it with the Lords of your Council only, that every Case might receive a candid a [...] well as unquestionable determination.
We might also put your Majesty in mind that during the whole terme of your late League with France, when ever any French Ships were seized by the Hollander, and afterwards retaken by his Majesties Frigats, such French Ships were allwayes restored on demand, no consideration being had of the time they were in possession of the Hollander, Whether a Month, two, or three as some times they were, and when the French owner as it hath happened knew not of such retaking, but that the Ship was according to Law, condemned to your Majesty and sould with other Prizes, yet the Claimer appearing, your Majesty hath ordered the Mony and product of the Ships to be restored unto him.
Such Various Methods of Justice and of Clemency, might have entituled your Majesty to a different acknowledgment, and more advantageous effects.
As to the other part of the said Paper, It seems to containe very harsh imputations on the Trade of your Majesties Subjects, and from some ill [Page 11]practice perhaps found out (as every where there may be Instances of the like) General Rules are made, and severe Impressions taken, which haveing entred the thoughs of some eminent Ministers we must not wonder (how frequent and how multiplyed soever your Majesties Recommendations for Justice are) that the Events of Tryalls prove so unfortunate, If your Mujesty will but Vouchsafe to cast your Eye on the Cases here annext, You will soon see.
Whether (as is imputed) all the Ships taken are Dutch built?
Whether they are all such as never were in England?
Whether all the Masters and all the Marriners are Dutch?
VVhether the Documents be for persons unknown and oftentimes not named.
VVhether in the whole List there be more then one Ship from Waterford and but six from the rest of all Ireland, but from Scotland not so much as one?
VVhether tis credible all the Ships Company do swear they are sent to Holland when so many are taken even comming from Holland?
Your Majesty may see how many Ships in the List are English built taken with English Colours, English Marriners, English Owners, some of them [Page 12]known to your Majesty, and to whom the best Papers your Majesty or your Ministers can signe or the Treaties do require, are given, but all in vain.
So that if the Case be in the General quite different from what in the General is represented we hope it will be no crime for your Majesties Subjects to make some Noise in England, when they are hurt and when they see their goods taken from them by Violence, and that Violence rather Justifyed then redrest by Law.
Tis not for the Condemnation past on those very ill cases ennumerated that your Subjects do complain, for it were to their Advantage if all such were Punished and deterred from Trade, who by collusion take share in that Profit which the favour of the present conjuncture seems wholly to appropriate to this Kingdom.
And surely your Majesty and the whole Kingdome did reckon upon this advantage, and the Extent of Trade that would naturally slow in as one of the greatest friuts and blessings of your peace, so that your Majesty being sensible of great decay and losse of English trading Ships in the late War, did think it advisable to admit your Subjects to repaire themselves on the sudden by purchasing of forraigne Ships, and your Majesty by your Authority made them free, and fit to [Page 13]partake in the benefit of English Ships, to the diminution of those higher Customes, which otherwise such Ships were obliged to pay. And while your Subjects with these and with their own home built Ships are in prosecution of the said Advantages, while every man is invited by the Conjuncture to venture more and to inlarge his Trade, while by a general trust in the peace and allyance your Majesty holds with all your Neighbours round about, they are lead to go abroad unarmed and without defence, we cannot but lament it as a great misfortune and disappointment to observe how these your Majesties Subjects are frequently made a Prey of and very evilly treated both at Sea and Land.
Wherefore considering that the Root of all this disorder arises from the violence and rapine of the French Capers, who ought to be looked on as disturbers of the publick quiet, and Enemies to the good freindship between the two Crowns, We are humbly of opinion, That your Majesty has just occasion from the Injuryes past, and those which are now depending and which do every day increase, to make a very serious representation of all unto his most Christian Majesty; And not only presse for some better method of repairing the grievances mentioned, But earnestly to insist on the calling in of all Privateers. Or else [Page 14]your Majesty must do Right, and give Defence to your Subjects from all the Insolencies which they so frequently meet;
- Anglesey,
- Bath,
- Craven,
- J. Ernle,
- Finch, C.
- Bridgwater,
- H. Coventry,
- G. Cartret.
- Robert Southwell
HIS Majesty taking into his serious Consideration the dayly Complaints of his Subjects, and having a great Sence and Resentment of their ill Usage, hath thought fit to approve the said Report, and is therefore Graciously pleased to Order, as its hereby Ordered, accordingly.
That the Right honorable Mr. Secretary Coventry, do immediately transmit to his Majesties Embassador at Paris, a Copy thereof, that so the evil and the unhappy state of these things may be made known in that Court, and the Remedyes pressed for in his Majesties Name; which are proposed by the said Report. And Master Secretary is also to attend the French Embassador here, with the same Representation, and to expostulate upon all these hardships, and the little Remedy given to his Majesties Subjects, either on the Merits of their Causes, or the Recommendations of them by his Majesty. That so his Execllency being made sensible of his Majestys displeasure herein, and the reasonable discontent of his Subjects there may be, by his care, such lively impressions hereof fixed with the King his Master, and the Ministers of France as may Redresse the Evills, that are complained of, and obtaine the just Remedies which are proposed.
A LIST of Several SHIPS belonging to ENGLISH MERCHANTS, Taken by French Privateers, since December, One thousand six hundred seventy and three.
ALSO His MAJESTIES Orders for Redress, bearing Date as followeth.
June 3d. 1674.
THE Pellican and Hopewell, two Ketches English Built, Masters and Marriners all English, Laden at London, by Merchants of the Place, all English and their Owners, Bound to Bilbo, and configned to their own Factors. They were taken at their entering to Bilbo, by Le Moine a Privateer, Commander of the Renoune, and carried to Creswick.
November 4th. 1674.
The Lady of Verginia and Saint Joseph a Spanish Built Ship, bought by Mr. Tyte and Mr. Hutchins both English-men, in 1673, when his Majesty [Page 18]did tolerate a trade with forreigne Ships and Marriners, and upon the breach betwixt France, and Spaine, this Property was notified at the Admiralty Office at Bayon, and at the General Office of Marrine at Paris. She was Laden in the Canaries by Sir Arthur Ingram Knight, and Richard Owen, now English Consul there, with Wines, to the Value of 1050 l. at first Cost; She was taken in December 1673, near the mouth of the Channel, by John de la Roche, de Fontaine, carried by him to the West Indies, and not heard of in a year.
May 19th, 1675.
The John and Sarah, of 120 Tun, English Built, William Button Master, he and his Marriners English, Abraham and Francis Jaggard English Owners of the Ship, Laden with Wool at Bilbo for account of George Banon of London, and Robert Hutchins of Exeter; she was in her Course to Hamborough whither she was bound, and the Goods consign'd, seized in the Bay of Biscay, on the 4th of Ostober 1674, and by Michael Gauvaine a Privateer of Porto Lewis, carried into Rochel, where notwithstanding her Cockets and Bills of Lading, she was condemned for want of a Sea-Brief.
November 20th, 1674.
The Oake, John Symmons Owner, Sir John Frederick and other English-men Laders; They had Cockets and Bills of Lading, but seized and carried in about the same time, for want of a Sea-Brief.
Novemb. 20th, 1674.
The Orange Tree, Andrew Squash and Co-partners Laders and Owners, taken about the same time, and carried in, having all Papers necessary except a Sea-Brief.
January 27th. 1674.
The Great Duke of Tuscany, an Italian Ship, Laden with 4000 Holland Cheeses, upon the account of William Welch Merchant of London, to be sent to Rochel, is seized on in Tor-bay, by a French Caper, and carried to Creswick.
March 29th, 1675.
The Postilian of Cadice, a Dutch Ship, John Simpson Master, being run into Tor-bay and within half a Harsers length of the shore is seized on by [Page 20]Boats sent from the Ships of some French Men of War, and particularly the Chevalier de Reynold.
March 3d. 1675.
His Majesties Packet Boat is by Anthony Vander Tyden, a Caper of Dunkirk, plundred of Jewells as she was passing into Holland.
August 4th. 1675.
The Unity, 250 Tuns, John Shipey Master, wholly Mann'd with his Majesties Subjects, provided with all Passes and Testimonials, by the Treaty required, and belonging to William Welch Merchant of London, is in her Course from Lisbone to Rotterdam, seized by two French Capers, and carried into Saint Malloes.
September 28th, 1675.
The Golden Sun of Bremen, Burthen 100 Tuns, Egbert Coster Master, richly laden with Drapery and English Manifactures, by Edward Smith, and a great number of other Merchants of London, as by Bill of Lading, and Depositions taken before the Lords of the Committee of Trade and Plantations appeared, she was in her Course from [Page 21] London to Hamburgh, in September 1675, Taken by a French Privateer, carried to Dunkirk and condemned, though Bremen be under the protection of the Swede. The parties appearing before the Lords of the Committee; swore the Principal costs of their goods was to the Vallue of 3092 l.
September 28th, 1675
Content of Yarmouth, English built, Robert Williams Master, and halfe Owner, manned with his Majesties Subjects, and provided with Passes. The other halfe, and the whole of the Lading, belonging to Simon Francia, who is naturalized. As the Ship was Sayling from Rotterdam to Falmouth, and so in her Course to the Canaries, is seized in September last, by a French Privateer, carried into Calice, the goods condemned, and the Ship restored, yet the Master swears his Losses amount to 996 l. 8 s. and 6 d. And the said Francia his unto 3975 l. 2 s. 3 d.
December 1st. 1675.
Elizabeth of London John Job Master, Manned according to the Act of Navigation, Francis Terence an English man the Owner, and he, with others of his Majesties Subjects, Proprietors of [Page 22]the Lading, in her Course from Rochel to Rotterdam, is seized and carried into Calais.
October 17th. 1675.
The Contents of Bristol, Walter Hide Master, James Whitwood Owner, bound from Bristol to France, was near Vsshen in November 1673, Run willfully under Water, by the Chevalier de Betune, in the Ship L'Orislam, the Master and Marriners swear that they saved themselves in the Portholes and Ladders of the French Ship, had no help from the French to save them, but being on board, for a moneth, and were grossly abused. The loss upon Oath, amounted unto 1100 l.
January 30th, 1675.
The James of Dover, bound for Bilboa; Anthony Andrews Master, Nicholas Cullen of Dover, and other English Merchants are Oweners. The Ship is taken by the French Privateer out of Tor-Bay, and carried into St. Maloes. Restored.
February 23d. 1676.
The John and Elizabeth, English built, Thomas Rising Master, and part Owner, the Marriners all [Page 23] English, John Smith, Edmund Smith of Rye, and the Master, all Subjects of his Majesty, Owners of the Cargoe: She was in her course from Rye to Rotterdam, in December 1675, seized within Pistoll Shot of Dover Peer, by Nicholas Botfel, a French Caper, the Master much abused, and one of the men shot through the body, for no other reason then not striking the Top-sail, as the Caper hath been examined by the Judge of the Admiralty, in March last.
Feburary 23d. 1675.
The Resolution Frigat, English built, John Aden Master, belonging to James Littleton and Edward Nelford of London Merchants; she was bound from Bilbo to Amsterdam, Laden with Wool and Iron, for the sole accounts of the Kings Subjects. she had her Passe and Bills of Lading, yet seized by two Privateers and carried into Dunkirk. Restor'd.
March 3d. 1675.
The Society of Boston, Thomas Edwards Master, Laden with Provisions by Edward Sanders of London Merchant, in her course from New England to Jamaica, is seized by Mounsieur Osserune Governour of the French Tartugas, and the Provisions taken out.
March 8th. 1675.
The Catherine Galliot, Adrian Chapmotts Master, Henry de Wild Owners, his Majesties Subjects, Notwithstanding a Passe from the Lords of the Admiralty, she is in her Course from Yarmouth, at Roane taken, and carried into Dunkirk.
April 7th. 1676.
The New Exchange, Walter Peace Master, Will. York, Henry Glover and other Merchants of Lymerick, his Majesties Subjects Owners of ship and goods; she had Passes in due form on Board, as also an Order from the Court of France for her Release upon a former Capture, by a Privateer of Calice, but is taken by Charles Landschooter of Dunkirk, and there condemned as Prize.
April 19th. 1676.
The Abraham of London, John Petersonpitts Master, Thomas Ball of London Merchant is Owner, [...]s appeared by Bill of Sale, she had a Pass, and [...]et in her Voyage from Zeland to England was carried into Dunkirk.
April 28th, 1676.
The Green Dragon, James White Master, being laden at Lymerick with Beef, Butter, Tallow, Salted-Hides, and other Commodities of the Country, and bound for Ostend, was on the 15th. of April last seized by Captain Juny, and carried into Cherbrook Road; all the Ships papers taken away, and the Master and Marriners forced, by torture, to sign a paper, acknowledging that the ship belonged to Ostend, though she belongs to Patrick Rochford of Lymerick, Merchant; and had all necessary Sea-briefes and Passes, and the Ladeing belongs to Sir John Frederick and others; all his Majesties Subjects. The Master and three fourths of the Marriners were his Majesties Subjects.
May 19th. and June 30. 1676.
The Elizabeth of London, English built, burthen about 80 Tuns, John Ranger Master; manned with English men, having a Passe from the Lords of the Admiralty, and a Port-Pass from Dover being laden with Merchandises at the Terceraes, partly on the account of Abraham Chapman of London Merchant, and the rest for English and Portugeses, and bound for Amsterdam, was seized [Page 26]by the Chevalier de Beaumont a French Caper, on the 14th. of May; near Portland, and carried into Cherbowrne, where the Master had been ill used, and the Ship and Goods, threatned to be Confiscated.
May 5th. 1676.
The Saint John, John Saint-John Master; Laden with Wine, Brandy and Rozen; coming from Bourdeaux to England, was seized by James Swan, his Majesties Subject, serving by French Comission, and carried into Dunkirk; Notwithstanding the Ship and Lading did belong to the Lord Bullinbrook and other his Majesties Subjects. Restored.
May 5th. 1676.
The Nicholas of Dover, Nicholas Bernard Master; Laden with Barley at Marenes in France, by John Callens of Rochel for account of English, who afterwards entred the said Barley in the Custom-House there, as bound for Middlebourg, where it was Consigned to an English-man, he paid the Duties, and made Oath that no prohibicion was there given against Transporting Corne into an enemies Country; Yet, on this pretence, was the said Ship, in the Course of her Voyage, [Page 27]taken and carried into Calais. Restored.
May 5th. 1676.
The Susanna of London, Cornelius Cariens Master, William Welch of London Merchant, sole Owner, Laden with 44 Chests of Sugar, with 24 Pipes of Pickled Lemmons, besides other goods which belonged to the Subjects of Portugal; she had all necessary Passes and Sea Letters, as well from the Lords of the Admiralty, as the Town whence she set out; she was in her Voyage from Lisbon to Rotterdam, taken by David Brizon his Majesties Subject, sayling by French Commission, and carried into Bulloigne.
May 19th, 1676.
The Peace of Dublin (Burthen 150. Tuns) Paul Hayes Master, William Williamson, William Martin, and Samuel Martin of Dublin, all Subjects to his Majesty and Owners; In her Voyage from Amsterdam to Bourdeaux she is, on the first of April, seized near Dover Castle, and notwithstanding her Passes, and all other necessary Papers, was carried into Calais.
May 26th. 1676.
The William of London, John Cornelioson Master, a Denizon of Ireland, William Galt the Owner, a Merchant of London, and naturall born Subject; She was in her Voyage from Rochel to the Sound, taken in April last, by one Captain Anthony, and carried into Calais, all his Papers taken from him, also their goods and cloths, the Master stript naked, he and severall of his men, put in Prison, and there deteined, till they had signed such Papers as were tendred to them, being not allowed an Interpreter, by the President of Calais, as was Sworn by the said Master, before the Lords of the Committe of Trade.
June 7th, 1676.
The Hope of London, English built, Richard Milborne Master; All the Marriners but one, Subjects to his Majesty, had Passes and Sea briefs, Yet as she entred into Dover, (within Gunshot of the Castle) was seized by Captain Bowen, a Subject of his Majesties, sayling by French Commission, and carried into Dunkirk.
June 7th, 1676.
The Pellican of London, John Sanderson Master, William Welch and John Swinton, who are his Majestys Subjects, Owners of Ship and Lading, is come from the Terceras, and being bound to Amsterdam, she is taken and carried into Dunkirk.
June 14th. 1676.
The Agatha, Forreign built, 250 Tuns, Laden with Deales, at Waterwick in Norway; the Masters name John Peters, a free Denizon, and the Ship and Goods belonging to John Doril and other Merchants, who are English. But in her Voyage to Amsterdam, is taken as Prize.
June 21th. 1676.
The James of London, a free Ship, John Williamson Master, the Owners all English, manned with 12 English and two Strangers, with a Pass from the Lords of the Admiralty, and other necessary Testimonials. She was Laden with Salt and Setubal, and coming to London, was on the 28th. of May, within Gun-shot of Dover Castle seized and carried into Calaice, the Ship run a [Page 30]ground, the Back broke, and Men abused, and their Papers taken away.
June 25th. 1676.
The Patrick of Waterford, a Pink of 70 Tun, John Tucker Master, She was in October last taken by a Priviateer of Ostend from the French, carried into the Groine, condemned as Prize, bought by Phillip Stafford an Englishman and there laden by him with Vinegar, Lemons and Oranges, and being sent to Rotterdam, is taken neer Dover Castle and carried into Calais, to his detriment of 484 l. as is sworn before the Lords of the Committee, by Thomas Rosseter, his Majesties Subjects and servant to the said Stafford.
June 28th. 1676.
The Resolution of Poole, English built, Anthony Hart Master, laden at Pooll in May last, with Wheat, Barley and Rye, of the growth of the Kingdome, by John Welchman of Christ Church Merchant, sole Owner thereof, to be delivered to his son at Rotterdam. She was taken in May by Oliver Compin, and carried into Dunkirk, though he were English built and English Marriners aboard, had a Passe according to the late Regulacion [Page 31]and the Ship belonging to the Master, and one Thomias Barefoot, and the parties concerned being Subjects to his Majesty, all which hath been proved by authentick attestations, and upon Oath before the Lords of the Committee.
June 28th. 1676.
The Peace of Dublin George Adrianson Master, belonging to William York, and Andrew Joyce, his Majesties Subjects, and by them laden at Gorway in Ireland, with Raw hides, Tallow, Leather, and other things, of the groweth of that Country, consigned to William Eaton of Dover Merchant; had Bills of Ladeing, Sea-briefe, and other necessary Papers aboard; Yet in March last, was neer Dover seized by Captain William Bowen, Captain Peter Vermill, and Sacret Longschooten; she is carried into Dunkirk, to the Owners detriment of 1000 l. And the Ships Company were stript, plundered, and exceedingly abused by the said Bowen.
June 6th. 1676.
The Margaret of London, 320 Tuns, forraigne built but made free by warrant of the 14th. of June 1674. belonging to Chamberlaine Donne [Page 32]Marchant of London, manned with Englishmen, all except two, and the Master, John Chrisman a free Denizon, she is laden with Salt at Rochel, by order of Chrisostome Hamilton, and being bound for Dantzick, had a Passe under the Kings hand, Countersined by Mr. Secretary Williamson; Yet she is taken, and carried into Calais, the 24th. of June last.
July 6th. 1676.
The Judith of Dover, belonging to Abram Stock Merchant of the place, is taken by Privateers of France, and carried into Dunkirk.
July 14th. 1676.
The St. George of London, Henry Fairweather Master, laden at Christiana in Norway, by order of George Turfrey Marchant of London, sole Owner of the Ship and goods, and his Majesties natural born Subject, she was in her Course to London, met by the Boyall of Dunkirk, Rifled and Plundered of what could readily be taken away, the papers seized, and all carried into Dunkirk, where they were run a shore, and the Ship in Danger to be Split on the first change of weather, and the men very evilly treated.
July 20th. 1676.
The Sheperdesse of London, 280 Tuns burthen, Tyant Fecks Master, a free Denizon, had his Majesties Passe, and sailing from the Fly to Norway, was taken and carried into Calias. That the Ship and about 60 l. in money belongs to Cornelius Van Alderwelt, as is sworn by the said Fecks, and made out by all papers found in the said Ship.
July 10th. 1676.
The Swan of London, John Richardson Master, Laden with Salt, Wine, Brandy and other Merchandize at Nantz, and bound for the Balltick. The Ship and Goods, soley belonged to John Eyers, and Robert Tigh Merchants, his Majesties natural born Subjects. She was seized by Captain Duranto, carried into Cherbrook, her bills of Lading, her Sea briefe, and other papers torne from them, the Ship plundered to the vallue of 250 l. in Goods, the Marriners imprisoned 16 dayes, all which is deposed by him and others.
July 11th. 1676.
The Orange Tree of Topsham, Samuell Syntall of [Page 34] Topsham Master, Trading (for these 14 years) as a free Ship of England; and so entered in the Custom House of several Ports, and did belong to Andrew Quash of Exeter, and other Merchants of that place; All the Marriners English, yet as she was comming homwards from Rotterdam, was on the 12th. of July 1674, met near Portland, by Captain Bodwyne, and carried into Sherbrook. That besides the Losse of Ship and Goods the Marriners are damnified to the vallue of 200 l. and the Loss of three of their Lives.
July 14th, 1676.
The Margaret of London, burden 200 Tuns, William Lambert a free denizon, and Inhabitant of Dover Master, having a Passe from the Lords of the Admiralty, and manned according to the act of Navigation, in her Voyage from Rochell (where she took in her Lading of Salt) was on the 15th of June last, taken by a French Privateer called the Geometry, Peter Minack Commander; and carried into St. Maloes, where she is detained and the Master, and Seamen beaten and abused. All which is represented by James Thierry of London Merchant; his Majesties Subject.
July 14th, 1676.
The Welcome of London English-built, whereof James Thierry of London Merchant is sole Owner, and Zacharias Barton Master, both his Majesties Subjects, having taken in her Lading at Santo Cruz in Barbary, of Copper, Wax, and Almonds, on the account of Gomes Rodrigues, his Majesties Subject and an Inhabiant of London, was on the 9th. of June last, within five miles of Dover, taken by one Aren Johnson a French Privateer, and carried into Dunkirk, where they are still detained. The said Ship had a Passe from the Lords of the Admiralty and a Sea-briefe from the Major of Southampton, and manned with his Majesties Subjects, one excepted, all which hath appeared by Oath and Certificates.
June 28th. 1676.
The Charity of London, a Prize Ship made free, Robert Cotton Master, Navigated by English men, was fraighted with a parsell of Salt at Dartmouth, by Master Tucker of Lyme Merchant, and confined to his brother Samuel Tucker at Rotterdam, and on her Voyage thither, about the 14th of April last, near Dungenesse, she was seized, by a French [Page 36]Caper, one Gellitan Commander, and carried into Dunkirk, That the said Vessell appertaines to the Lady Holeroft, his Majesties Natural born Subject, as also are both the before named Tuckers. And the said Cotton deposes that he believes no stranger driectly or indriectly, had any Interest in the Ship and Lading, when she was seized.
June, 3d. 1676.
The Two Brothers of London, Thomas Peachy Master, burthen 100 Tuns, belonging unto William Miles, and Edmond Peachy of London Merchants, was Laden with Corn at Burdeaux, for the proper account of James Versprect, and Francis Vandenbrack, also of London Merchants, and in her Voyage from thence to Rotterdam, she was taken at Sea near Dover, about the 12th of December last, by Captain John Pollet of Calias, and carried in there, notwithstanding her Passes from the Lords of the Admiralty, the Lord Mayor, and the French Admiral of Bundeaux. That also the said Vessel, and Lading, was after three months suit discharged, yet the Interessents are really damaged, through the perishing of their Corn, and all other Charges, to the value of 759 l. as appeared on Oath taken before Sir Robert Viner.
An additional List of Ships belonging to English Merchants, and taken by French Privateers, touching which Application hath been made to Mr. Secretary Goventry only.
THE New Exchange of London, Forreign built, but belonging to William York, of Lymrick, Anthony Vernier Master, in her Course from Bourdeaux to Dunkirk, was taken and carried into Calais.
The Charles of Dartmouth, Andrew Hocker Master, belonging to John Whitethrow of Dartmouth Merchant; She was laden with Corn, bound to Saint Sebastian, but taken and carried into Saint John de Luz. Restored.
The Ship North Caper of Rotterdam, Laden with Timber, on account of some Merchants in Dublin, taken within the Bar of Dublin by a French Privateer of Brest, called Gellin, and carried thither.
The Ship, Young William, Forreign built, Burthen 100 Tuns, Thomas Vough Master; belonging to William York of Lymerick, bound for Bilbo, manned with his Majesties Subjects, having a [Page 38]Sea-brief on Board of her, taken and carried into Brest, by a Privateer of that place. Restored.
The James, belonging to Sir Thomas Allen and others, burden 30 Tuns, Robert Dilworth Master, bound from Bourdeaux to Amsterdam, provided with sufficient Certificates, all her men English, taken and carried into Calais. Restored.
The Kings Fisher Dogger, English built, John Johnson Master, taken by Peter Casteau, and carried into Dunkirk.
The May-Flower, Simon Corben Master, belonging to George Tyte, Benjamin Peak, and others, Merchants of London, and though she had a Pass, from the Lords of the Admiralty, was English Built, and manned with English, yet she was taken and carried into Cherbrook.
Continuation of a List of Ships belonging to English Merchants, and taken by French Priviateers, touching which Applycation hath been made to the Lords of the Commitee for Trade.
August, 3d. 1676.
THE Sherwood of Boston, Mathew Burchinal his Majesties natural born Subject Master, bought at Amsterdam about April last, and being bound from thence to New-castle, was, about the 20th of July last in her course thither, taken by a French Priviater, Nicholas Hayes Commander, and carried into Dunkirk, where she is detayned, and threatned to be speedly confiscated, notwithstanding that, by the bill of sale and other papers, which the said Caper is now possessed of, it doth evidently appear that the said Ship doth truly belong to the Lord Sherwood, Charles Bertice Esquire, John Wood and other his Majesties Subjects and to no Forreigners.
August 3d. 1676.
The Successe of London, Stephen Holden Master, being bound from Rochel to Riga, was lately [Page 40]seized on by a French Privateer, belonging to Calais, and carried into that Port, where she is still deteined, although she be a free Ship, and was Navigated wholly by English-men, and furnished with a Pass according to the late Regulation, and together with her Lading doth entirely belong unto Thomas Kayton, William Riden, William Prescot, Edmond Belitha, Mr. Benjamin Ayloffe, and Henry Houswel, and others of his Majesties Subjects.
August 8th. 1676.
The Hopewell, Valentine Archer Commander, was on the 12th, of May, 1674, met by a French Privateer called la Renown, Monsieur le Monie Commander, who took out of her diverse Commodities of a considerable value, belonging to Brune Ryves and Richard Barker, who after much charge and trouble got a Sentence in France for the Restitution of their Goods, but could never obtain Execution thereof notwithstanding their constant endeavours and application,
August 3d. 1676.
The Golden Lyon of Syrdam a Dutch Ship, having on Board 309 Hogsheds of Sugar, belonging [Page 41]to Rowland Simpson his Majesties Subject, was in December 1674. taken by a French Privateer called the Golden Fleece, Bernard le Moine Commander, and carried into Milford Haven, where by a Warant out of the high Court of Admiralty, the prize was taken in arest, and in custody of the Officers of the Admiralty; But the said Bernard Le Moine did, by Violateing the said Arrest, and the protection of his Majesties Port, make Prisoners of the Officers, of the Admiralty, and carried the Prize, together with the Sugars belonging to his Majesties Subjects into France, where he disposed thereof at his own will and pleasure.
August 3d. 1676.
The Lilly Dogger of London, John Fisher Master, his Majesties Subject, in return from Virginia was met by two French Ships which without respect to the English Colours there flying, fired several times on the said Doggar, and afterwards going on Board plundred to the value of at least 1000 weight of Tobacco, and then dismissed the Dogger, with this insolent expression, Go and tell your King of it.
August 8th, 1676.
The Mary of Leverpool, an English Ship, Thomas Blunden Master, fraighted by Thomas Nisbet Merchant of York, and consigned from Narva to his Factor at Rotterdam, was in her Course thither, taken by a French Privateer, and carried into Dunkirk, where she is still deteined with the Lading, notwithstanding she was furnished with a Custom-house Pass, and a Pass in pursuance of the Treaty of Denmark, dated about the 10th. April last.
A LIST of other Ships taken by French Privateers.
July 6th. 1676.
THE William of Yarmouth, John Littlewood Master, whereof James Symonds is sole Owner, being bound from Hambrough to Bourdeaux, was about the 20th, of May last, taken by a French Privateer, whereof one Captaine Duranto was Commander, and carried into Cherbrook.
August 13th. 1676.
The Barbadoes Merchant of Bristol, whereof Abraham Sanders, John Walter, and other Merchants of Bristol, are Laders and Owners being bound from thence to Bilboa, was about the first of June last, seized by French Privateers of Bayon, and carried into that Port, notwithstanding the said Ship is English built, and was wholly Navigated by English men, bore an English Flagg, and was furnished with all necessary papers and Passes pursuant to the late Regulation.
August 31th. 1676.
The William of London, belonging unto William King and Robert de la Maine, in her Voyage from Southampton to London, about the 16th of July last, near Bench, was by Captaine James Martyne, a French Privateer carried into Facan in Normandy, and is there detained; notwithstanding the said Ship was provided with a Passe from the Lords Comissioners of the Admiralty, the Owners have deposed the Ship and Goods to be worth, at least 800 l.
September 4th, 1676.
The Mary Pink of London, whereof John Gibbs, Nicholas Kempstone, and other English Merchants Owners, having been lately built at Shoram, and manned with all English men was carried into Dunkirk on the 6th of August by a French Privateer.
September 4th. 1676.
The Little Samuel of London, whose Owners and Laders are all his Majesties Subjects, was in her Course from Rouen to London, on the 14th. August last, met by a French Privateer, and carried into Calias, allthough the said Hoy was manned wholly with English (except one French boy) and had a Passe from the Lords of the Admiralty persuant to the late Regulation.
September 4th. 1676.
The Endeavour of Plymouth, Thomas Rowse Master, belonging together with her Lading to his Majesties Subjects, was on the 15th. August last in her Course to Amsterdam, taken by a French Privateer, called the Brave, whereof one La Lander is Commander, and Carried into Dunkirk.