Another bloudy fight at Sea between the English and the Dutch, upon the Coast of Denmark; the particulars of the Engagement; one hundred of the Hollanders ships taken, and fifteen hundred prisoners taken, &c.
AFter a long pursuit of the Hollanders upon this Northern Ocean, with great difficulties (at last) we came to act the Theater of Europes Tragedy, and to dispute the ground-work with fiery Arguments, and Canon Darts, which was with great resolution performed both [Page 4]by the Assailants and Defendants. But after a sharp fight, with som of their best men of War, (having taken five, and sunk three) we bore up to them, with such Thundercracks, and shouts of joy, that the lightning of our Canon, soon deaded the spirits of the Dutch-men, and in less then half an ho: we became victorious, dispersing the whole Navy; upon which atchievement, we took seven gallant Men of War, one hundred of their fisher Vessels, and about two thousand prisoners; the chief Officers whereof are committed to safe custody; most of the private souldiery have taken up Arms for the Commonwealth of England. In this conflict we had many killed and wounded; but lost not one ship.
The Enemy declining Engagement, our General was the first that bore up to them, in pursuit of Victory; the James headed the Resolution; and made up to the Enemy, with the rest of the Fleet [Page 5]attending the motion; which the Enemy perceiving, endeavoured to recover the Sound, and accordingly effected the same; but General Blake being advertised of their Design, sent a Message to the K. of Denmark, beseeching his Majesty to prohibit sanctuary for any such Assiniators. Whereupon he drew off from the Sound, to the end that he might invite them to the Ocean; the Dutch having notice thereof, weighed anchor, and then resolved to play out their Game; but our General (though an enemy to the Card, plaid the Trump between Hanse and the Sound; so that 300 of the Hollanders flew up, and descended at Bressies Bay (an Iland) in Scotland, where they are fortifying; and intrenching themselves, resolving to dispute the Game with Us. But believe me Sir, if Mr. Vantrump receives such bussing after this rate but a little while longer, his mighty Masters will hardly embrace him, for his great pains in neglecting their unsatiable belly-timber.
Aboard the Garland July 20. 1652. At Anchor neer Bressies Bay.
By an Express from Portsmouth it is certified, That on the 21 instant Sir George Ayscue came upon the Western Coast with fifty gallant Men of War, and intends to expedite after the eighteen sail of Dutch, sent from Vantrump to convoy the East-India ships to their desired Ports: the wind was very fair for him, till he came neer the Road of Portsmouth, but then turn'd full against him; so that he stood in to the Bay for an hour or two, and then taking the benefit of the Tyde bore up again to Sea, and by that time it was dark got cleer of Bembridge point: indeed his putting in there, though not intended by him, proved very providential for the Councel of States Letters to Sir George, coming an hour before night, were immediatly sent to him: He stil beares up after the Enemy, and its believed a good account will be given of his heroick Atchievements very suddenly; for he embraceth [Page 7]braceth all opportunities, and exceeding vigilant in his motion.
The Zealanders have put to Sea a Fleet of Threescore sayl, which lye hovering about their own Coast to secure their Merchants and Fisher-men, rather then to engage further in the publique service. Van heer de Witte is Commander in chief, and a great favourite he is to the Royal family, as appears by his carrying on, and declaring for the King of Scots interest; who is expected daily at the Hague, where great preparations are making for his reception and entertainment; for indeed he hath been much solicited by the Estates of the United Provinces; and upon advice with his Councel, it was determined; what the issue will be, few dayes will manifest.
We have likewise received Advertisements, that the Queen of Sweden hath set forth fourscore sayl of ships, all Men of [Page 8]War, but whether they are bound, they are not pleased to declare, but ride on still with Commission in pocket, having already passed the Zound.
The Dutch have made a League with the King of Denmark, and having hired the Zound for 140000 Pattacoons, or dollors per annum, by which meanes the Swedes will be inforced to pay Toll; yet notwithstanding they are in a League defensive with Sweden against Denmark, and defensive with Denmark against Sweden; they are also in a League offensive and defensive with France; and a League de non offendo with Spain.