THE Earle of Warwickes GLORIOVS VICTORY Over fifty Ships of the King of Denmarkes in the Narrow Seas. Report thereof being made to the House of Commons by a Merchant of London, that came lately from Norway. With an Order from the House of Commons to the Earle of Warwicke, that one and fifty Ships should be strongly prepared with 500 pieces of Ordnance. Also how many hundred thousand pounds the Charge of the Navy hath amounted unto, raised out of the Bill of Tonnage and Poundage, and what the King hath received out of the same Bill. And how the Earle of Stamford, the Lord Rutham and Sir Arthur Hasterigg executed the Militia in Leicestershire. Lastly the totall summe of the money sent by the Parliament to Munster and Dublin in Ireland. I. B. Cler. P.
London, Printed for J. Horton. June 15. 1642.
The Earle of Warwicks great Victory over 50. Ships of the King of Denmarkes in the Narrow-Seas.
THe King of Denmarke understanding by the manifold information of many, that his Brother the King of great Brittaine was disunited from the Parliament, and his indignation being highly incensed, that he was resolved to make Warre against his great Councell, and Supream Court, [Page] began to assemble his Subjects, desiring their assistance to ayd his Brother in the intended Warre. And after great debate, and consultation thereabout, hee concluded immediatly to prepare certain Ships for England. The number of those ships which the King of Denmarke had in preparation, were 100, and 50. of them already fitted on Sea, conducting with them in the said ships many Horses and Hay, as the information thereof was reported to the house of Commons by a Merchant, that was lately come from Norway. Whereupon the House of Commons without any further procrastination or detraction of any longer time Ordered incontinently, that information should be sent withall expedition to the Earle of Warwicke, Lord Generall for the Sea, desiring him to be very vigilant and carefull at Sea, least any suddaine and unexpected invasion might rush in upon the Kingdome.
Wherefore as soone as the Earle of Warwicke had received this particular intention from the Parliament, he presently set all the ships in readinesse, and began to be very cautious, setting streight watch every night, least unawares the Denmarks by some policy or Stratagem might invade the Land by night.
The ninth day of this present moneth the Denmarkes appeared in the Narrow Seas superbiously, comming to England with fifty ships loaden with great store of Ammunition, Horse and Hay, but as soone as the Earle of Warwicke perceived his sinester intents, he went against him with one and twenty ships, and most valiantly with an undanted courage let off thirty pieces of Ordnance against the Denmarke, following very couragiously, insomuch that he made them almost recant, and turne Sayle The Demarks on the other side behaved themselves bravely at the first encounter, and gave the English above [Page] threescore and ten shootes, which had beene sufficient to have sunke some of our ships, but that they were placed so wisely, and craftily, that wee had a great advantage of them, because we had the Wind withall on our side. And the Lord Generall had regulated the ships in such an equall way, that at the second discharge they were compelled to turne Sayle and fly, but two of these Ships were taken; wherein there was found great store of Ammunition, and the rest escaped by flight.
If we consider how Arminianisme was diffused in the Church, and since the Parliament how many obstructions and pernicious obstacles have beene layd to interrupt their assiduous proceedings: all which if they be with mature deliberation seriously considered, we shall with facility and apparent and perspicuous demonstrations perceive the wonderfull mercies of Almighty God towards us. For which [Page] we are bound in duty towards God to magnifie his holy and omnipotent Name, fortheir is nothing more odious and detestable to God then ungratitude, for it is a wicked instrument, that oftentimes causeth God to divert and turne away his blessings to a Nation. Therefore above all things let us be sure to embrace gratitude, and offer it as an Oblation and auspitious Sacrifice to God, glorifying him for all these mercies, and withall so beseeching in our supplications, that he would preserve and defend the Parliament from the malignity of all ill-disposed people.
The Parliament have since most discreetly, and judiciously Ordered, That a great charge of the State of the Kings Ships should be forthwith taken. And withall by their appointment, the Navy at Sea is made wonderfull strong. For there is one and fifty ships under the Earle of Warwicks Command, with [Page] five hundred pieces of Ordnance, and set out with such Ammunition, and provisions of Armes, as hath not been seen, and knowne the like for number, and strength sent out by any Prince in this Kingdome by force.
The Charge whereof hath amounted to 300000 pounds which hath beene raised out of the Bill for Tonnage and Poundage. And also the King hath received 100000 pound out of the benefit of the same Bill since May was twelve Moneths.
The Earle of Stamford, the Lord Rutham, and Sir Arthur Haslerigg were appointed by the Parliament to see the Militia put in execution in Leicestershire.
The House of Commons Ordered also that there should be 10000 pound presently sent to Munster in Ireland, and 6000 pound to Dublin to pay the Souldiers.